UK Parliament calls on government to recognize Palestine

A UK parliamentary committee has called on the government to announce a timeline for the recognition of Palestine.

The UK Parliament's International Development Committee has published its report on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, developments in the West Bank, and displaced Palestinians.

The report stated that Israel's response to the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, has resulted in a massive loss of civilian life and the destruction of Gaza's civilian infrastructure.

Drawing attention to the rulings of international courts regarding the risk of international law being violated in Gaza, the report included the statement: "We believe there is a plausible risk that Israel's military operations in Gaza involve violations of international humanitarian law, which could lead to accusations of genocide."

The report, which calls on the UK government to announce a timeline for recognizing an independent Palestinian state, stated that recognizing the state of Palestine is essential for a lasting and sustainable peace.

Pointing out that while 500 aid trucks per day are needed to meet Gaza's humanitarian needs, this number has fallen to an average of 25, the report also noted that allegations regarding Israel targeting civilians with drones following airstrikes are concerning.

The report also addressed Israeli actions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. It reported that 1,800 Palestinian-owned structures were demolished by Israel between October 7, 2023, and October 31, 2024, and emphasized that 736 Palestinians were killed during the same period.

Information that 1,722 Palestinians were displaced by Israelis seizing Palestinian lands during the same dates was also included in the report.

In the report, the committee also emphasized that the UK government must do everything in its power to ensure that Israel complies with its obligations under international humanitarian law.

News Source: AA