UK recognition of Palestine an important first step but much more action needed

Source: CAFOD

The long-overdue recognition of Palestine is a statement that UK government believes the Palestinian people should have their own, independent viable state. Concrete steps are now urgently needed, to work towards this goal as quickly as possible in support of a more peaceful and secure future for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

Elizabeth Funnell, CAFOD's Middle East country representative says: "Amidst the utter devastation and destruction we're witnessing in Gaza, and the exponential increase in illegal settlements in the West Bank, the recognition of Palestine by the UK is an important act of solidarity in support of a political path to promoting rights, peace and security for all. The UK now must do all it can to ensure that a safe and viable Palestinian state becomes a reality.

"CAFOD has been working with Palestinian partners in the occupied Palestinian territory and with Israeli organisations working for peace for more than three decades. They are witnessing firsthand the impact of conflict and occupation on lives and livelihoods on a daily basis.

"Alongside an entrenched military occupation and a brutal conflict in Gaza, the total absence of a process towards a more peaceful future with justice and equality for all continues to be a cause of grief and despair for generations of Palestinians."

Our Israeli partner, Yesh Din, continues to document settler attacks against Palestinians in towns, villages, and farming communities across the West Bank. They say these incidents, have become even more brazen and fatal under the cover of war, destroying people's lives while systematically pushing Palestinian communities off their lands.

Recognition for Palestinians can and must be more than symbolic. The UK government must now push for meaningful action with the rest of the international community, to achieve:

- An immediate ceasefire, aid, and strong reconstruction plan for Gaza with the views of the Palestinian people at its heart

- A ban on UK trade with illegal settlements

- Measures to ensure accountability for violations of international law as a vital first step towards healing and reconciliation and bring all perpetrators to justice.

In this context British recognition of Palestine could have huge value and serve to keep hope alive at a critical time.

CAFOD is part of an alliance of more than 80 organisations launching a new campaign: 'Stop Trade with Settlements' demanding a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including by major multinational companies and financial institutions sustaining the settlement enterprise, many of which are based or have headquarters in the UK. https://cafod.org.uk/news/media/press-releases/stop-trade-with-settlements

With attacks intensifying on Gaza City, Pope Leo XIV has expressed his closeness to people being displaced. He went on to reiterate his call for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, a diplomatic solution and respect for international humanitarian law. https://cafod.org.uk/news/emergencies-news/middle-east-conflict-explained

CAFOD partners inside Gaza continue to show incredible commitment and organisation to keep work running. This Caritas Jerusalem medical point in Deir al Balah remains stocked with supplies and is providing medical treatment. More on our partners here: https://cafod.org.uk/news/emergencies-news/gaza-update-how-you-are-helping