Pax Christi England Wales welcomes UK Government's decision to recognise State of Palestine

Yvette Cooper at UN General Assembly

Source: Pax Christi

Pax Christi England and Wales has joined others in welcoming the decision of the UK Government to recognise the state of Palestine.

Ann Farr, recent Chair and a member of Pax Christ International's Working Group for a Just Peace in Palestine and Israel said: "The UK Government's recognition is a long-awaited and welcome symbolic act and a first step towards justice for Palestinians and Israelis.

"However, the daily lives of the people continue to be unbearable. We witness cruelty, violence, death and destruction in both Gaza and the West Bank; the Israeli hostages have been abandoned by their own government and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are held, without charge or trial, in Israeli prisons."

The recognition has resulted in retribution by the Israeli Government that includes increased violence and the closing of the Allenby Crossing, the only way out of the West Bank for Palestinians. This imprisons them even further and denies return by those out of the country. Yet another violation of international law.'

The UK Government's recognition must now be followed by immediate, concrete action and we call again for:

- full access for humanitarian aid to all parts of Gaza, distributed humanely and safely;
- an end to the genocide in Gaza and the ethnic cleansing of the West Bank together the withdrawal of all Israeli military;
- an end to all UK military cooperation with Israel;
- freedom of movement for Palestinians;
- a ban on trade with illegal settlements and all complicity in settlements;
- the publication of the UK response and its compliance with the ICJ opinion of July 19th 2024 - 'Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem'

We will continue to respond to the call of our Palestinian friends and partners to pray, take action and work in solidarity with all peacemakers who hope for peace and justice for everyone in Palestine and Israel.