Starmer Abandons Pledge to Recognize Palestinian State

Labour's Manifesto to Prioritize Peace Process

Unilateral Recognition Dropped from Agenda

British opposition leader Keir Starmer has announced that he will no longer pursue Labour's previous pledge to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. The move, which was revealed by The Independent, represents a significant shift in the party's stance on the Middle East conflict.

In the past, Labour's manifesto had included a plan to officially recognize a Palestinian state as part of the peace process. However, Starmer has now dropped this promise, stating that he will only recognize Palestine as a state as part of a broader negotiated settlement.

Starmer's decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised the move as a pragmatic step that will help to advance the peace process. Others have criticized the decision, arguing that it is a betrayal of the Palestinian people.

In a speech to the Palestinian diaspora, Starmer declared himself to be "both a friend of Israel and a friend of Palestine." However, many Palestinians have expressed disappointment with his decision to abandon the Labour Party's previous promise.