While we do not doubt the sincerity of the government’s intentions and share its desire to see an end to the tragic conflict in Gaza, we strongly disagree with the decision to recognise a Palestinian state at this point.
Recognition of a Palestinian state outside of a meaningful peace process will change nothing on the ground and it gives up an important diplomatic lever that can only be pulled once. We remain deeply concerned that this decision fails to address the barriers to peace posed by the Iranian regime and the need for radical reform of the Palestinian Authority. And we do not believe that it will help advance two critical goals: the release of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas for over 700 days and ensuring that Hamas is disarmed and can play no further part in the governance of a future Palestinian state.
LFI strongly supports the UK government’s desire to promote a negotiated two-state solution as the only means to guarantee Israel’s security and to preserve its precious identity as a Jewish and democratic state, as well as to meet the legitimate demand of the Palestinian people for self-determination and national sovereignty. We urge the government to now turn its attention to advancing meaningful steps towards this goal.
LFI agrees with the UK government that the policies of the current Israeli government in the West Bank are utterly unacceptable. We totally oppose annexation of any part of the West Bank, and we abhor the violence perpetrated by extremist settlers and the manner in which this is encouraged and tolerated by far-right politicians in Israel.
We share the Israeli public’s strong desire to see an end to the war, the release of the hostages and a change of government as soon as possible. We continue to stand with and support Israelis and Palestinians seeking to advance the cause of peace and coexistence.
