The UK has officially recognised the State of Palestine.

The recognition of Palestine must mark a turning point - not a symbolic gesture to ease conscience while the bombs continue to fall. There can be no Palestinian state without a Palestinian people. Unless the UK immediately commits to action in ending its complicity in Israel’s genocidal campaign on the Palestinian people in Gaza, and the abhorrent attacks and illegal settler encroachment on rights of Palestinians in the West Bank, this will not mark any change for the future of Palestinians.

Recognition is only meaningful if it signals the end of the UK’s complicity.

For decades, Palestinians have been denied their fundamental right to self-determination while facing a brutal regime of military occupation, siege, and apartheid. We are appalled that for too long Palestinian statehood has been “dangling like a bargaining chip” for leverage.

It should be evident by now that words of criticism will not compel the Israeli government to change course. Recognition, if it is to mean anything, must be tied to concrete measures that make a sovereign Palestinian state viable. Any UK policy that allows trade with illegal settlements or continues to send arms to Israel is eroding the viability of the very state the UK has just recognised.

The UK must now wield its diplomatic, legal, and economic tools to force an end to Israel’s genocide on Palestine and ensure that international law is not selectively applied based on political convenience. The UK’s next steps must be grounded in international law and the equal worth of Palestinian lives.

The UK Government must:

+   Immediately stop transfers of arms and equipment (including jet fuel) to Israel or third states where there is reason to suspect use in operations that have involved or could involve genocide.

+   Take targeted action (including sanctions) against the State of Israel, individuals or corporations involved in facilitating genocide or incitement.

+   Prohibit trade, services, and investment with Israeli settlements in Palestine.

This genocide is not over. Palestinians are no safer from Israeli aggression than they were a week ago. The international community's failure to act has already cost immeasurable loss of life. The UK has the tools; it must now find the will which it has lacked for so long.