Relations between European countries and Israel continue to evolve as the UK's Labour Party pledges to recognize a Palestinian state as part of a renewed peace process. The party's election manifesto states that Palestinian statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. This announcement comes after Spain, Ireland, and Norway officially recognized a Palestinian state in May, which drew criticism from Israel. The current Conservative-led government in the UK has previously indicated that Britain could formally recognize a Palestinian state before the conclusion of a peace process [b5a32d56].
Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs has expressed its support for Slovenia's decision to recognize the independent Palestinian state. The spokesperson, Dr. Sufyan Qudah, emphasizes that this decision is consistent with international law and resolutions that stress the necessity of ending the occupation and implementing the two-state solution. Jordan calls on the international community to take urgent steps to recognize the Palestinian state and achieve just and comprehensive peace in the region. Jordan reaffirms its support for the Palestinian cause and people [4854c888] [98092ea3] [da6aaad1] [df07b227].
Palestine's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, states that recognizing the State of Palestine is a victory for Palestinian rights and a practical step to protect the two-state solution. She accuses the Netanyahu government of imposing military and security solutions on the conflict and demonizing the Palestinian National Authority. Shahin calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and prisoners, and the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation army from the Gaza Strip. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the State of Palestine and urges countries that have not yet recognized it to do so. Shahin also highlights the need for a global consensus to protect and maintain the two-state solution. She criticizes the Israeli government for intensifying settlement activities and undermining the possibility of implementing a two-state solution. Shahin states that the Palestinian Authority remains committed to the policies of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and does not absolve the Israeli occupation of responsibility for the crimes committed against the Palestinian people [43866219].
The UK's opposition Labour Party has pledged to recognize a Palestinian state as part of its election manifesto. The manifesto states that Palestinian statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. The current Conservative-led government has previously expressed that Britain could formally recognize a Palestinian state before the end of a peace process. Labour's pledge comes amid increasing international pressure to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and achieve a two-state solution. The party's stance underscores its commitment to supporting Palestinian aspirations for statehood and promoting peace and stability in the region. The election manifesto also includes various other policies aimed at addressing domestic issues and international affairs. Labour's promise to recognize a Palestinian state could significantly influence the UK's foreign policy stance if the party secures victory in the upcoming election [8da64bae].
In addition to its commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state, the UK's Labour Party has also pledged to stamp out anti-India sentiments within its ranks and build a strong strategic partnership with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led administration. The party's resolution during an annual conference under former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in favor of international intervention in Kashmir was widely seen as having cost it British Indian votes in the 2019 general election. Labour Party chair Anneliese Dodds stated that the party is confident of having cleansed its ranks of any members with extremist views and called upon the Indian diaspora community to report any evidence of anti-India sentiment within the party. The Conservative Party candidate for Dudley North recently stoked controversy with an official campaign letter stating only he would speak up for Kashmir in the British Parliament [bad3b875].
Renegade Labor senator Fatima Payman challenges Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's authority over the party's position on the Israel war. Payman defied party rules and voted with the Greens on a motion expressing support for a Palestinian state. She vows to cross the floor again if the Greens bring the same motion back to parliament. Payman's actions threaten the principle of Labor Party unity and raise doubts about her future in the party. She defends her use of the phrase 'from the river to the sea' and argues for a two-state solution. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong warns Payman to toe the party line on Palestine. Defence Minister Richard Marles reminds Payman that she is in parliament because the party chose her. Payman says she does not intend to leave the party and believes she has upheld Labor Party values. Marles emphasizes the importance of caucus solidarity and the obligations of being members of the Labor team. The future sanctions against Payman will be decided by the caucus [8c974f8c].
Singapore is prepared in principle to recognize Palestine as a state at an appropriate time, said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Parliament on July 2. The key consideration for Singapore is that such a move should help progress towards peace and a negotiated two-state solution. Singapore has consistently supported the right of the Palestinian people to a homeland. The decision to vote for a United Nations resolution backing the admission of Palestine as a member of the world body was made after serious and careful consideration. Singapore has consistently advocated for a negotiated two-state solution, consistent with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Singapore will continue to offer encouragement and tangible support to both Palestinians and Israelis. Singapore has implemented a $10 million Enhanced Technical Assistance Package (ETAP) to help the Palestinian Authority (PA) build capacity and prepare for eventual statehood. Singapore has trained more than 750 officials in areas like diplomacy, water management, economic development, and urban planning. Singapore will assess how best it can assist bilaterally and as part of multilateral efforts in the reconstruction of Gaza. Singapore complies strictly with its international obligations on international arms sales and does not publicly divulge any details of defence sales for national security reasons. [057c8c09]