Recognising Palestinian state helped get ceasefire, PM says

"The UK's decision to recognise Palestinian statehood helped to bring about the ceasefire deal in Gaza, Sir Keir Starmer has told MPs. Speaking after a summit in Egypt, the PM stressed that the agreement signed there belonged to US President Donald Trump, telling MPs: "This is his deal." But he said the UK had been in a position to work "behind the scenes" for a ceasefire "precisely because of the approach this government takes," including its recognition of a Palestinian state."

"Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said recognising Palestine without setting a condition for the release of hostages was "rewarding terrorism" and accused the PM of "diminishing" UK influence in the Middle East. Sir Keir told MPs that Monday's deal provided "a moment of profound relief" as he paid tribute to both the hostages and the civilians killed in Gaza. But he also stressed that "making that peace last will be no less difficult a task" and that implementing the peace plan "is no small challenge"."

"Negotiations will now follow on phase two of the deal, which involves Hamas laying down its weapons - a possibility the group is reported to have dismissed - and the rebuilding of Gaza under a "peace board" chaired by Trump and potentially including former prime minister Sir Tony Blair. Sir Keir said the UK stood ready to deploy its diplomacy and expertise to support the reconstruction of Gaza - the devastation of which he says "defies description"."

Recognition of Palestinian statehood helped bring about a ceasefire deal in Gaza. The ceasefire agreement signed in Egypt is credited to US President Donald Trump. The UK worked behind the scenes to support the ceasefire, citing recognition policy as a source of influence. Critics said recognising Palestine without conditioning hostage releases rewards terrorism and diminishes UK influence in the Middle East. The deal provided relief for hostages and civilians, while implementing and sustaining peace remains difficult. Phase two will address Hamas disarmament and Gaza rebuilding under a proposed "peace board"; the UK offered diplomatic assistance, an additional 20m in humanitarian aid, and help with ceasefire monitoring without deploying troops.

Read at www.bbc.com