LONDON — UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated that Britain will consider recognizing a Palestinian state as part of efforts to achieve an “irreversible” peace settlement, marking a potential major diplomatic shift.
Cameron, speaking at a reception in London on Monday night, emphasized the need for Palestinians to have a “political horizon” leading to a two-state solution, a prospect currently hindered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strong opposition.
“The vision of a two-state solution must have clear progress,” Cameron said. “Recognizing a Palestinian state could be a step towards making this process irreversible.”
Last week, Cameron urged Netanyahu in Jerusalem to support a two-state solution as a path to peace for both Israeli and Palestinian people. However, Netanyahu has consistently rejected such efforts, even from allies like the U.S., arguing that it would “endanger the state of Israel” and criticizing attempts to “coerce” Israel into agreement.
Cameron outlined in his speech how the UK, along with allies, might increase pressure by considering the recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations. “We should start defining what a Palestinian state would entail and how it would function,” he stated.
Cameron added that this approach, including potential recognition at the United Nations, could help solidify the peace process. Responding to inquiries about recognizing a Palestinian state, Cameron told Parliament last week that the UK would consider such a move “when the time is right.”
