The UK Parliament’s International Development Committee has called on the government to officially recognize the state of Palestine, urging that this recognition be accompanied by clear conditions and a defined timeline for action. The committee released a report detailing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, developments in the West Bank, and the displacement of Palestinians.
The committee emphasized that the UK government must outline the steps necessary for recognizing Palestine as a state, specifying the conditions that must be met and providing a timeline for the planned actions. The report also highlighted the devastating consequences of Israel’s military response to Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023, which led to significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure.
The committee pointed to international court decisions indicating the potential violations of international law during the conflict. It stressed that Israel’s military operations in Gaza might have involved severe breaches of international humanitarian law, with some accusing Israel of genocide. The report also noted that achieving lasting peace in the region would require formal recognition of Palestine.
The report addressed Gaza’s dire humanitarian situation, revealing that while 500 aid trucks are required daily, only about 25 have been able to deliver aid. Additionally, it raised concerns over the targeting of civilians by drones following Israeli airstrikes.
Concerning Israeli actions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the report pointed to the destruction of over 1,800 Palestinian structures and the deaths of 736 Palestinians between October 7, 2023, and October 31, 2024. Furthermore, 1,722 Palestinians were displaced due to Israeli land seizures during this period.
The committee concluded with a call for the UK government to ensure that Israel is held accountable for any violations of international humanitarian law, asserting that the UK should play an active role in addressing the ongoing issues and promoting justice in the region.
