Creating a Palestinian State: David Cameron's Small Steps Diplomacy

The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is soon entering its fifth month. The war appears to have put the spotlight back on the concept of two-state solutions, the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, a process that has been blocked for years. On tour in the Middle East, David Cameron, the British Foreign Minister, showed himself open to recognizing a Palestinian state without waiting for the end of peace negotiations with Israel.

On tour in the Middle East, the British Foreign Minister, David Cameron (our illustration photo), showed himself open to recognition of the Palestinian state without waiting for the end of peace negotiations with Israel. REUTERS - VALDRIN XHEMAJ

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With our correspondent in the United Kingdom,

Émeline Vin

Once a lasting ceasefire comes into force in Gaza, the

UK

could recognize a state of Palestine without waiting for the end of peace negotiations with Israel which could take years. Visiting Lebanon, Foreign Minister

David Cameron

explained that recognition could take place during these discussions, without waiting for them to end.

“

 Better Future

 ”

“

We must give the Palestinian people the horizon of a better future 

,” declared the former Prime Minister, while setting one condition: the departure of Hamas from the Gaza Strip. 

David Cameron had already signaled this desire for recognition of the Palestinian state at the start of the week, during a speech to ambassadors from the Arab world. Thus evoking the “responsibility” – on the part of London – to work towards a two-state solution.  

Distances

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister and several senior members of the ruling Conservative Party distanced themselves from these statements, recalling the British commitment to the two-state solution " 

at the time that would best serve peace

 " and suggesting that rapid recognition would reward the attack of October 7.

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Continue reading on the same themes:

  • Palestinian territories

  • Israel

  • Israelo-Palestinian conflict

  • Diplomacy

  • United Kingdom

  • David Cameron