David Cameron, Britain’s foreign secretary, has signaled that the UK is exploring the possibility of recognizing a Palestinian state and has encouraged allies to do the same at the UN.
Speaking to the Conservative Middle East Council in London, Cameron stressed the importance of offering Palestinians a political perspective to promote peace in the Middle East.
He suggested that a new Palestinian Authority led by technocrats should govern Gaza.
Cameron, currently on his fourth Middle East tour since taking office in November, mentioned that a potential pathway is emerging, and progress toward a political solution could mean lasting peace.
In the wake of Cameron’s statements and a perceived shift in London’s foreign policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, diplomatic sources revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat details of the British plan to resolve the issue.
Palestinian state
The plan includes steps such as initiating a ceasefire in Gaza and ultimately establishing a Palestinian state.
Informed sources familiar with ongoing talks between Britain and international and regional parties about post-war arrangements in Gaza told Asharq Al-Awsat that Cameron has recently taken diplomatic steps and engaged in active communication with various concerned parties.
His proposals involve measures like halting fighting in Gaza, increasing humanitarian aid, working on the release of hostages and the exchange of prisoners.
The plan also includes political arrangements aiming for significant changes on both the Palestinian and Israeli sides.
The goal is to pave the way for Gaza’s reconstruction and establish a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with international recognition, including from the UN.
Responding to questions from Asharq Al-Awsat, the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office reiterated Cameron’s stance.
It emphasized the importance of giving Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza a credible political path leading to a Palestinian state and a new future—a step that cannot be reversed.
The Office stated that the UK and its allies can assist by confirming commitment to a sovereign and viable Palestinian state, stressing the significance of recognition, including at the UN.
Speaking at a reception for Arab ambassadors at the House of Commons on Monday, Cameron said: “If the last 30 years tells us anything, it is a story of failure.”
“Ultimately it is a story of failure for Israel because yes, they had a growing economy, yes they had rising living standards, yes they invested in defense and security and walls and the rest of it, but they couldn't provide what a state most wants, what every family wants, which is security. And so the last 30 years has been a failure,” continued Cameron.
“And it is only by recognizing that failure and recognizing that true peace and progress will come when the benefits of peace and progress are greater than the benefits of returning to fighting,” he added.
New western orientation
Recent developments, both in public statements and private discussions, indicate a fresh direction in London’s decision-making circles.
The aftermath of the recent Gaza war is viewed as a critical opportunity to actively pursue a lasting solution to the conflict, putting an end to the long-standing cycle of violence.
Sources highlight a noticeable change in the UK’s foreign policy regarding the Gaza war and future plans. There is now clear talk about the need to work towards “lasting political solutions,” centered on establishing a recognized Palestinian state.
This represents a significant departure from past approaches that mainly relied on negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis for a two-state solution.
The shift reflects a change in Western perspectives on finding real resolutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
No role for Hamas
Regarding the role of the Hamas movement and its potential involvement in future political arrangements, sources stressed the UK’s unwavering position.
There is a strong rejection of any role for Hamas in governing Gaza or participating in any Palestinian government in the upcoming phase.
Transitional arrangements ultimately aim to lead to general elections resulting in the formation of a new Palestinian leadership.
