London Mayor Sadiq Khan Urges UK Government to Immediately Recognize Palestine

Kokcha News Agency: London Mayor Sadiq Khan has issued a strong appeal to the UK government to recognize the State of Palestine without delay. In a statement shared on X, Khan highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and emphasized the need for urgent international action.

“Starving children search through rubble for food. Family members seeking help are shot dead by Israeli soldiers,” Khan wrote. He stressed that with civilians dying and aid being blocked, the UK and the global community must apply greater pressure on Israel to halt what he described as “this senseless slaughter.”

Khan also warned that a two-state solution will become impossible “if there is no Palestine left to recognize.” His remarks reflect growing discontent among British leaders regarding Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza and the lack of political progress.

Growing Pressure Within the Labour Party
At least three cabinet ministers from the Labour Party, including the justice and Northern Ireland ministers, have privately urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to accelerate the recognition process. They believe this move could help pressure Israel to end the ongoing killing of starving civilians.

In a parallel development, nearly 60 Labour MPs signed an open letter urging the official recognition of Palestine. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza as “horrific” and called for an immediate end to the war.

Lammy expressed horror at scenes of Palestinians being shot while searching for food and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to achieving a two-state solution.

UK’s Current Stance
The UK has so far maintained that it will recognize Palestine “at a time that is right” and in coordination with international partners. However, the growing political and public pressure suggests that this position may soon face reassessment.

A Turning Point in British Political Discourse
Khan’s plea, backed by MPs and ministers, signals a turning point in British political discourse on Palestine. Calls for moral leadership are intensifying amid the worsening crisis in Gaza.