The UK took the historic decision to formally recognise the State of Palestine, fulfilling the 2024 Labour Party manifesto pledge which affirmed this as the “inalienable right of the Palestinian people.”
This is a significant diplomatic step, joining with Australia and Canada, and the vast majority of UN member countries, and it must be matched by determined efforts to bring about a lasting ceasefire — securing and delivering vital aid, protecting innocent civilians, and ensuring the release of the remaining hostages taken during the 7 October Hamas attack.
The daily assault on Gaza is intolerable and the continued destruction and relentless attacks must stop. More than 15,000 children have been killed in the conflict and Gaza’s infrastructure has been devastated, leaving many civilians caught in the crossfire. This reality has been the deepest source of distress for the overwhelming majority of constituents who have contacted me on this issue over the past two years, and which I have relayed to the government and in discussions with the Palestinian Ambassador in meetings.
Citizens of Palestine and Israel have the right to coexist in security, peace and for the international community to do all it can to support this end, however far away it might feel today.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 