Former British Diplomats Urge Starmer to Back Gaza Ceasefire and Recognise Palestinian State
London, UK –– A group of 26 former senior British diplomats has issued a powerful call to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging him to take immediate action to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and to grant the United Kingdom’s unconditional recognition of the State of Palestine.
The unprecedented open letter, signed by ex-ambassadors and high commissioners with decades of experience across the Middle East and beyond, criticises the UK’s current stance as “morally indefensible” and “strategically short-sighted.” The signatories insist that Britain has a historic responsibility to push for a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine, starting with clear recognition of Palestinian statehood.
“We believe the UK must take a principled stand and act now,” the letter reads. “The scale of human suffering in Gaza is unacceptable, and continued ambiguity only weakens Britain’s voice on the international stage.”
The letter comes amid renewed international pressure on Western governments to take a stronger stance as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. More than 37,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the start of Israel’s military campaign last year, with civilian infrastructure in ruins and humanitarian access severely restricted.
The diplomats also warn that failure to act risks undermining the UK’s credibility abroad, particularly in the Global South, where Britain’s double standards on international law are under growing scrutiny.
Prime Minister Starmer, who recently assumed office after a landslide election victory, has so far maintained a cautious approach to Middle East policy, backing a two-state solution but stopping short of recognising Palestine. Today’s intervention significantly increases pressure on Downing Street to shift its position.
A spokesperson for No. 10 said the Prime Minister would “review the letter carefully” but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to “a negotiated two-state solution based on security, peace, and mutual recognition.”
More updates as the story develops.
– www.internetionalnews.uk
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