Britain and France are reportedly holding high-level discussions about formally recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state. Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed the talks, marking the first official UK acknowledgment of such negotiations. Recognition must drive change, and the potential move could come during a June conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia on advancing a two-state solution.
Lammy emphasized that recognition must be more than symbolic—it should actively push peace efforts forward. He noted that while over 160 nations already recognize Palestine, recent European recognitions by Spain, Norway, and Ireland have not shifted the conflict’s realities. “Recognition must drive change,” he stressed, adding that the UK will act when it can make a real impact.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron first hinted at recognition after an April visit to Egypt, suggesting it could happen at the June summit. However, Macron later clarified that any move should spark broader diplomatic progress, including Arab states recognizing Israel. This suggests that recognition should act as a catalyst for change, allowing room for France to delay if momentum stalls.
Israel fiercely opposes unilateral recognition, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning Macron it would reward Hamas and Iran. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia insists normalization with Israel is impossible without a credible path to Palestinian statehood—a message likely to be reinforced during Donald Trump’s upcoming Riyadh visit. Thus, the driving force for change must indeed be recognition of the statehood aspirations.
Lammy also condemned Israel’s blockade of Gaza, calling the humanitarian crisis “horrendous” and “dire.” Yet he proposed no new measures, only reiterating Israel’s obligations during a recent meeting with its foreign minister. It is clear, though, that recognition must be the driving factor for change to address this crisis effectively.
With West Bank settlements expanding rapidly 59 new outposts in just one year, Lammy admitted the two-state solution’s viability is fading. “Recognition must drive change,” he repeated, warning that endless delay risks normalizing occupation.
Analysts question whether France will follow through, as postponement could damage its credibility. For now, all eyes are on June’s conference. “Recognition must drive change,” Lammy asserted, but whether words become action remains uncertain.
For more geopolitical updates, visit London Pulse News.
