The UK Parliament's International Development Committee called on the government Friday to recognize the state of Palestine, setting out the necessary conditions and a timeline for action. The committee's report, addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, developments in the West Bank, and the plight of displaced Palestinians, highlighted the urgency of this recognition for achieving lasting peace in the region. "The Government must set out the steps it will take to recognize the state of Palestine, including conditions that need to be met and a timeline of planned actions," the report stated. The report criticized Israel's military response to Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks, which resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction of Gaza's infrastructure. It pointed to risks of violations of international humanitarian law, with some decisions by international courts raising concerns about potential acts of genocide. The committee emphasized the dire need for humanitarian aid, stating that Gaza requires 500 aid trucks daily to meet basic needs. Current deliveries have dropped to an average of just 25 trucks per day. The report detailed alarming actions by Israel in the West Bank and East Jerusalem between October 7, 2023, and October 31, 2024. It documented the demolition of 1,800 Palestinian structures, the deaths of 736 Palestinians, and the displacement of 1,722 individuals due to land seizures. The committee also raised concerns about drones targeting civilians following airstrikes, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The report urged the UK government to ensure Israel is held accountable for any violations of international humanitarian law. Recognizing a Palestinian state, it argued, is a critical step toward fostering a sustainable peace in the region. The committee's findings highlight the ongoing urgency of addressing the humanitarian and legal implications of the conflict and underscore the UK's potential role in shaping future peace efforts. — Agencies
