The Labour party expresses its support for a two-state solution, but Israel states it must maintain ‘security control’ of all land west of the River Jordan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of a Palestinian state has been criticized by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, shadow foreign secretary David Lammy, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
According to Netanyahu, Israel has to maintain “security control” of all land west of River Jordan because areas Israel had previously given up have been used by terrorists. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also emphasized that Israeli-Arab normalization will only be possible if there is “a pathway to a Palestinian state.” Netanyahu’s remarks have been criticized by Labour as “unacceptable” and “wrong.”
Labour has expressed its commitment to the recognition of a Palestinian state and wants to work with international partners to achieve it. Khan also referred to Netanyahu as the “roadblock” to peace and stated it is possible to be “proudly pro-Israeli” and condemn the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza.
The article also addresses the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the UK Conservative government and the Labour opposition’s support for a two-state solution and “sustainable” ceasefire, and Israel’s right to defend itself. It includes details on the Hamas-led missile attacks and protests against shadow foreign secretary David Lammy’s position on Gaza.
A senior Hamas official had said they do not accept the two-state solution, and denied Israel’s right to defend itself, while the Free Palestine Coalition criticized David Lammy for his position on Gaza.