#palestine-recognition

#palestine-recognition

More than 300 former European diplomats and ex-officials have written to EU leaders urging a far more decisive response to the war in Gaza, including a full suspension of the bloc's cooperation agreement with Israel. Published soon after the opening of the UN general assembly in New York, the letter from the 312 signatories also called on all EU member states to recognise the state of Palestine, joining 147 countries that have already done so.

It is almost certain that the UK, along with France, Canada, Belgium and Malta, will recognise the state of Palestine at a UN conference on 22 September to be held on the sidelines of the general assembly, in the week when world leaders deliver major speeches. Britain had suggested it might not recognise Palestine if Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire, but the Israeli government has adamantly rejected a ceasefire and announced an intention to capture Gaza City.

A Reuters/Ipsos survey shows 59 percent of US respondents say Israel's military campaign in Gaza has been excessive. Washington, DC Most Americans believe that all countries should recognise Palestine as a state, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll suggests, as public support for Israel in the United States continues to plunge amid the atrocities in Gaza. A majority of respondents 59 percent also said that Israel's military response in Gaza has been excessive.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) is set to intensify pressure on Sir Keir Starmer, threatening to compel a parliamentary vote on recognition of Palestinian statehood by the UK.