US, Israel Say Starmer’s Palestine Recognition Vow Rewards Hamas

In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's pledge to recognize the state of Palestine if Israel doesn't commit to ending its war in Gaza. They argued that this move would reward Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip. Starmer, the leader of the UK's Labour Party, made the promise during a speech at the party's annual conference. He stated that a future Labour government would recognize Palestine as a sovereign state if Israel failed to take steps towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Netanyahu and Trump condemned Starmer's proposal, asserting that it would incentivize Hamas to continue its violent actions against Israel. They emphasized the need for a negotiated solution between Israel and the Palestinians, rather than unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. The criticism highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as various stakeholders navigate the path towards a lasting peace.