UK Recognition of a Palestinian State Will Be Hollow Without Action to End the Genocide

The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) welcomes the decision of the British government to recognise the State of Palestine. This recognition affirms the Palestinian right to statehood and self-determination. From Britain, it is particularly significant given its historical role as the author of the Balfour Declaration, the former mandatory power, and its long-standing failure to meet its obligations towards the Palestinian people.

This decision is long overdue. It would have carried far greater meaning had it been taken before the genocide in Gaza, the wholesale destruction of civilian life, and the intensification of illegal settlement expansion.

Recognition alone will not stop, or even slow, Israel’s ongoing atrocities against the Palestinian people. To give substance to this step, the British government must impose meaningful consequences for Israel’s flagrant breaches of international law. This requires the immediate suspension of arms sales, an end to all forms of military cooperation, and a full ban on trade and business with illegal settlements and entities complicit in sustaining the occupation.

Furthermore, the UK government must bring itself into full alignment with the July 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which concluded that Israel’s occupation is unlawful, must be ended, and that reparations are due to the Palestinian people.

Commenting on the recognition, BMHC CEO stated:

“Recognition of Palestine is symbolic, but symbolism does not end bombing, famine, or apartheid. It will not feed starving children or bring justice to families who have lost everything. Unless it is matched with decisive action to hold Israel accountable, recognition risks being little more than empty words.”