LONDON: Britain is “absolutely committed” to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine “when the circumstances are right”, according to the Foreign Secretary.
David Lammy said a future plan must guarantee the security of Israel before adding the Palestinian cause is a “just cause”, as he outlined a need to work with Arab partners and build up the Palestinian Authority.
The Cabinet minister alsoexpressed frustration at Israel’s parliament overwhelmingly passing a resolution rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state, in a largely symbolic vote ahead of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to the United States.
Speaking in the Commons, Labour MP Gregor Poynton (Livingston) asked: “Does the Secretary of State agree with me that there is no peace without a two-state solution and that those opposing a two-state solution are wrong for both Israelis and the Palestinian people?”
Mr Lammy replied: “The vote by the Knesset yesterday was hugely disappointing. We believe passionately in two states.“And I say to those who reject two states, if you are a proponent of one state then you do have to explain how everyone enjoys equality under the law.
“And if you are a proponent of no state then you are effectively suggesting that occupation continues and that is unacceptable to, I would have thought, all members of this House.”Labour MP Andrew Parkes (Peterborough) highlighted the “ongoing horror” faced by hostages, their families and civilians in Gaza.
He asked Mr Lammy to explain how the new Government will deal with the “immediate crisis” and the recognition of Palestine.Mr Lammy, in his reply, said: “We are absolutely committed to that two-state solution.
“The global community for too many years has talked about it and not acted, I recognise there’s almost tremendous cynicism when the phrase is used.”Mr Lammy stressed the need for a “plan for afterwards”, adding: “It must guarantee the security of Israel, but can I just say the Palestinian cause is a just cause and we must work with Arab partners, we must build up the Palestinian Authority and I spoke to them at length about what more we can do to assist them with the reforms that they need to make, so that we can realise that.”
Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Layla Moran earlier urged the Foreign Secretary to “pull the lever that would best signify” the UK’s commitment to the two-state solution.She said: “The situation in Gaza is frankly soul-shattering. It’s been 300 days nearly, the death toll is at 38,000, the vast majority killed being women and children, only three days ago, 22 people lost their lives in a strike on a UN-run school.
“That’s the fifth attack on or near a school in the last eight days, and those who survived the bombings are at severe risk of disease and malnutrition.”Ms Moran added: “This has to end now. We need that immediate ceasefire, but we need also those hostages out and the aid to come in.“But it is also right we start thinking about not just the next day, but how do we stop this from ever happening again?
“And there is only one viable answer to that, and that is the two-state solution.“That is our North Star, it is the keystone to stability in the region as well, but I have to express disappointment that the Foreign Secretary refuses to pull the lever that would best signify our commitment to it, which is to recognise the Palestinian state on 1967 borders. Ireland, Spain and Norway did it this May.
“Will he consider it, and if he won’t, why not?”In his reply, Mr Lammy said: “There is no confusion on this party’s position on Palestinian recognition. We are committed to Palestinian recognition. We hope to work with partners to achieve that when the circumstances are right.”