Recognising Palestine is a welcome and significant step, but it must come alongside tangible action to stop Gaza genocide, says co-CEO Hannah Bond
Hannah Bond, co-CEO of ActionAid UK, said: "The UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state is a welcome and significant step that affirms Palestinians’ alienable right to self-determination. It's a shame this wasn‘t taken sooner and that the government sought to
use it as a bargaining chip in its negotiations with the Israeli authorities.
“Recognising a Palestinian state is the right thing to do, but for it to be more than just a symbolic gesture it must be accompanied with tangible measures to stop the genocide in Gaza and the annexation of the West Bank. Without action, soon there will be nothing left to recognise.
“Today’s announcement does not diminish the UK’s own complicity in the atrocities taking place in Gaza. Let there be no doubt: this complicity will continue until the UK halts all arms exports to the Israeli government. If it truly believes in a future for Palestine, the UK must urgently apply every diplomatic lever available to bring about a ceasefire now and help secure justice and accountability for all crimes committed during this long and devastating war.”
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Spokespeople are available for interview. Please contact the press office at uk.media@actionaid.org or on +44 7753 973 486 to arrange.
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