British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the U.K.’s formal recognition of a Palestinian state, joining Canada and Australia in a move opposed by the U.S. and Israel. This decision, intended to revive the two-state solution and foster peace, explicitly excludes Hamas from any future governance. Though largely symbolic, it marks a significant shift, given the U.K.’s historical role in the region and its previous stance that recognition would be contingent upon a peace plan. While over 140 countries have recognized a Palestinian state, critics argue that the move rewards Hamas and is an empty gesture due to internal divisions within Palestinian territories.
Read More
Canada, along with Britain and Australia, officially recognized the State of Palestine, shifting from its previous stance of requiring a negotiated peace agreement. Prime Minister Mark Carney cited the eroding viability of a two-state solution due to Israeli actions, including settlement expansion and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as justification for this recognition. This move, which will be followed by France, aims to support a peaceful future for both Palestine and Israel, despite conditions set to prevent Hamas from having any role in government and requiring democratic reforms. However, the decision has received criticism from the United States and some hostage families, who fear it will embolden Hamas and undermine peace efforts.
Read More
The UK is poised to officially recognize Palestine as a state, a move expected to be announced imminently, following the failure of Israel to meet conditions set by the Prime Minister. This decision, which will align the UK with 147 other UN member states, has drawn strong criticism from Israel, as well as family members of hostages held by Hamas, and some UK politicians. While the Muslim Council of Britain has welcomed the move, the UK is also looking at further sanctions on Hamas, in addition to demanding the release of hostages, an immediate ceasefire, and Hamas’ commitment to non-governance and disarmament.
Read More
Japan will not recognise a Palestinian state for now, and that’s the news according to the Asahi newspaper. It seems that the Land of the Rising Sun is taking a wait-and-see approach, and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba even plans to skip a meeting on the subject during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. It’s worth noting that this position puts Japan in a bit of a different camp compared to some of its allies, especially those in the Group of Seven.
Japan’s hesitance places it alongside the United States, Israel’s closest ally, in the non-recognition corner. This stance seems to reflect a more cautious approach, echoing concerns voiced by officials from Germany and Italy, who apparently believe immediate recognition could be “counterproductive.”… Continue reading
Luxembourg announced its intention to recognize the state of Palestine, with a final decision expected at the U.N. General Assembly in New York later this month, aligning with calls from European leaders for an end to the war in Gaza. This declaration follows a U.N. General Assembly vote endorsing steps toward a two-state solution, with a deadline before its September 22nd meeting. This shift comes amid mounting pressure, including statements from the EU, with actions such as pausing payments to Israel and sanctioning individuals.
Read More
Following disruptions at the Vuelta a España cycling race by pro-Palestinian protesters, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for Israel to be banned from international sports events, comparing its actions to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The protests, which caused the final stage of the race to be cut short, led to arrests and injuries. The government’s stance sparked a diplomatic dispute, with criticism from the Israeli Foreign Minister and Madrid’s mayor. The incident has prompted discussions about the future of sporting events involving Israeli teams, particularly in light of the upcoming Tour de France in Barcelona.
Read More
During a recent meeting in Jerusalem, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen discussed the recognition of Palestine with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar. Sa’ar expressed concerns that establishing a Palestinian state would compromise Israel’s security, therefore, Denmark is not prepared to recognize Palestine. Furthermore, the article emphasizes that Israel does not possess the authority to veto the recognition of Palestine by other nations.
Read More
The Central Bank of Ireland will no longer approve European prospectuses for the sale of Israeli bonds, with the authority transferring to Luxembourg. This decision, effective September 2nd, follows mounting pressure due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the associated humanitarian crisis. The Development Company for Israel (International) Ltd, which sells debt on behalf of Israel, has been marketing these bonds in the context of funding the Gaza war. While the Central Bank cited legal obligations to approve prospectuses, the change was welcomed by pro-Palestinian groups and criticized by some who believe any financial support is inappropriate.
Read More
Following the departure of the Dutch foreign affairs minister and his cabinet colleagues, MPs voted against taking further action to pressure Israel. Proposed measures such as boycotting products from the West Bank and banning weapons purchases from Israel were rejected, along with a motion to recognize Palestine. The only consensus reached involved the “total destruction” of Hamas and pressuring countries that condone Hamas leaders, while a call for Israel to admit journalists to Gaza was supported. The remaining coalition parties now face a “rump administration” with the prime minister cancelling an upcoming trip abroad to manage the political crisis ahead of elections in October.
Read More
Dozens of Microsoft employees recently occupied the company’s east campus in Redmond, Washington, protesting the alleged use of Microsoft software by the Israeli military in Gaza and for surveillance of Palestinians. The “No Azure for Genocide” group organized the demonstration, demanding Microsoft divest from Israel and accusing the company of enabling genocide. The protest was prompted by a lack of response from Microsoft and the recent revelation that the company’s Azure software is allegedly used to store mass surveillance data collected from Palestinians’ phone calls. After two hours of protest, the demonstrators were told to leave, with police threatening arrest for trespassing.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood