‘Utter disaster’: Critics slam Starmer's use of Palestinian statehood as bargaining tool

Critics are condemning the British government's conditional recognition of a Palestinian state, calling it an "empty gesture." Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the government would recognize a Palestinian state by September only if Israel takes substantive steps to end the situation in Gaza and agrees to a ceasefire. Commentators and aid groups have denounced the conditioning of recognition on Israel ending its actions in Gaza. Chris Doyle of CAABU stated that the conditions are unclear and weaker than previous government statements, adding that the announcement will not stop the situation in Gaza.