I know the decision I have taken to recognise the State of Palestine will cause concern and upset among many in Israel. So, as a friend and supporter of Israel, I want to explain this decision and why I believe it is a vital step towards peace and towards normalisation of Israel’s relations with its neighbours and the region.
Let me say at the outset that the plight of the hostages is always in my thoughts. I have sat with British families of the hostages. I see the torture they endure each and every day.
Through my extended family in Israel, I know the deep pain and psychological torment that has defined the last two years, since the utter, depraved horror of the Hamas attacks on 7th October.
So I repeat our demand that the hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. We will keep supporting every effort to bring them home. And I believe that negotiations on a ceasefire and a long-term peace will bring that day of freedom closer.
It serves no one for the region to continue down the current path of ever-deepening violence and suffering. The pain in Israel is unbearable. The death, destruction and hunger in Gaza is intolerable.
It must end. I urge the Israeli government to stop the offensive and let the aid surge in.
Innocent people on all sides deserve a chance to rebuild their lives. We need to change direction. And in my view, the only durable peace will come through a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian State. But at this moment, we have neither.
That’s why we are building consensus with leaders in the region and beyond around our Framework for Peace. This isn’t a rival peace plan, it is a wider blueprint to bring people together – Israel, the Arabs, the US and others – behind a common vision and a series of steps that can take us from a ceasefire in Gaza to negotiations on a permanent end to the conflict.
It is within this framework, that we have recognised Palestinian statehood. There cannot be progress towards peace and normalisation without recognising a State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel. Let’s be clear – recognition is not only an endorsement of the principle of two states, it is also a rejection of those extremists who fantasise about the destruction of the State of Israel – and indeed those who want to see the expulsion of the Palestinian population.
To those who argue that this solution rewards the terrorists of Hamas, let me set out why it does not. Our call for a genuine Two-State Solution is the exact opposite of their hateful vision. It means Hamas can have no future – no role in governance, no role in security. The UK has proscribed and sanctioned Hamas as a terrorist organisation. And we are going further. I have directed work to sanction other Hamas figures in the coming weeks.
To those who fear that any Palestinian state will be a threat to Israel, let me assure you that we will work with partners around the world to ensure that does not happen. We are clear that the Palestinian state must be demilitarised. It will not have an army or air force. President Abbas himself has endorsed this principle, as well as the need for fundamental reform of the Palestinian Authority.
To those who fear Hamas would win an election and take over the West Bank, we are clear – no party will be allowed to contest Palestinian elections unless they endorse the principle of non-violent politics.
This is a moment to change direction – back towards peace.
We want to see a future where ordinary people can live free from violence and terror. A future where Israel can enjoy normalised relations with all its neighbours, including a viable, peaceful Palestinian state. A future where Israel can thrive in safety and security.
I want to work with Israel to keep that hope alive. And in that spirit, I wish you all a New Year of peace, health and happiness. Shana Tova U’Metukah.