Starmer’s recognition of Palestine aims to rescue Zionist entity as accountability for genocide looms

London – Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recognition of Palestinian statehood on Sunday is an attempt to whitewash his government’s complicity in the Gaza genocide and to rescue Zionism as demands for isolating Israel intensify.

While Starmer was making his announcement, Israeli fighter jets continued bombing the people of Gaza - killing, maiming and burying children alive. 

His statements are a distraction from the real issue at hand – that the UK continues supplying Israel with arms including components used in fighter jets. Starmer’s government earlier this year proscribed Palestine Action, one of the few organisations in the UK taking direct action against UK based Israeli-weapons manufacturers.

For the recognition of Palestinian statehood to have any meaning, the UK should withdraw support and aid in the dismantling of the Israeli apartheid state. 

CAGE International’s Head of Public Advocacy, Anas Mustapha, said:

“The UK government’s recognition of Palestine comes 77 years too late, without any accountability for Britain’s own role in establishing the Israeli settler colonial entity. After decades of supporting occupation and human rights abuses, and two years into a live streamed genocide, the public will not be fooled by Western leaders now trying to disguise their own complicity, as if they have suddenly gained a conscience.”

“Actions by Israel in Gaza and the West Bank have shattered any prospect of a workable two state solution. Trying to resurrect it through the late and conditional recognition of a Palestinian state is actually an attempt to prop up the status quo and protect western liberal Zionism. The only lasting solution for peace is the dismantling of the Israeli apartheid regime and ensuring liberation, justice and dignity for the Palestinian people.”

Photo by Dixit Dhinakaran on Unsplash