British PM says two-state solution has ‘first real chance’ since Oslo Accords
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Tuesday that the Middle East now faces its “first real chance” for a two-state solution
LONDON (AA) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Tuesday that the Middle East now faces its “first real chance” for a two-state solution since the Oslo Accords of the 1990s.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Starmer outlined the U.K.’s plan to back the peace process through “three areas — supporting reconstruction in Gaza, transitional arrangements, and security for a ceasefire monitoring process.”
“This is the first real chance we’ve had on a two-state solution in over three decades,” Starmer said. “A safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state, is the only way to secure lasting peace in the Middle East.”
He said the government is working to accelerate humanitarian assistance to Gaza following a ceasefire plan led by U.S. President Donald Trump. “The bombardment of Gaza has stopped, and aid is starting to enter. But we urgently need to see more and faster. All restrictions must now be lifted,” he said, stressing the acute need for food, sanitation, and medical supplies.
Starmer added that implementation of the peace plan was now crucial to “bring a terrible chapter in history” to an end.
During the debate, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the government’s decision to restore funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and to recognize Palestinian statehood, saying the moves had strained relations with Israel. Some Labour MPs responded with shouts of “shame.”
Starmer replied that Badenoch had failed to acknowledge “the humanitarian crisis in Gaza” and the “denial of aid” Palestinians endured. He said the Commons would have “quite some debate” once media access to Gaza reveals the “full horror” of the war’s aftermath.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey asked about U.K. efforts to boost aid deliveries, to which Starmer replied that more trucks must be allowed into Gaza. He also said London had urged Israel to halt illegal settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.
Under phase two of the U.S.-brokered deal, Hamas will disarm, a multinational force will be deployed, and a new governing mechanism will be established in Gaza.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed more than 67,000 Palestinians in Gaza — most of them women and children — leaving the enclave in ruins.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
