The United Kingdom issued a warning on Tuesday, July 29th, stating that unless Israel takes measures to alleviate the hunger situation in the Gaza Strip and reaches a ceasefire agreement with Hamas to end the war, the UK will recognize the state of Palestine.
At the same time this warning was issued, a hunger monitoring organization reported that the worst famine conditions are occurring, requiring immediate action to prevent a large-scale death toll.
According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, the hunger crisis in Gaza may be officially classified as a famine. This move is intended to pressure Israel to allow more food into Gaza.
The UK’s warning has intensified international pressure on Israel. France announced last week that it recognizes the state of Palestine, sparking anger from the Israeli government. Israel also condemned the UK’s statement on Tuesday, calling it a “reward” for Hamas.
British Prime Minister Kiel Stamer stated during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday that unless the Israeli government takes substantial measures to end hunger in Gaza, reach a ceasefire agreement, explicitly state that they will not annex the West Bank, and commit to advancing a long-term peace process that can achieve a two-state solution, the UK will announce the recognition of the state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
However, US President Trump has previously stated that the US government does not intend to recognize the state of Palestine in the short term. Since taking office in January, Trump has not clearly stated whether he supports the eventual establishment of a Palestinian state.
Trump stated on Tuesday that during his meeting with Stamer in Scotland on Monday, they did not discuss the proposal for the UK to recognize Palestine.
With the international community increasingly condemning Israel for the food crisis in Gaza, Israel announced over the weekend that it will take measures to ease aid access to this Palestinian enclave.
According to Gaza’s health authorities controlled by Hamas, the number of deaths related to hunger continues to rise, with a total of 147 deaths reported, including 88 children, most of whom have died in the past few weeks.
Trump stated during his meeting with Stamer on Monday that he believes many people in Gaza are starving and promised to establish some “food centers” in Gaza to provide more assistance.
Israel denies imposing a policy of hunger in Gaza. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated on Tuesday that the situation in Gaza is “difficult”, but reports of hunger are lies.
(This article is based on reports from Reuters)