DUBAI / LONDON — A catastrophic famine unfolding in Gaza has triggered an international outcry and prompted the United Kingdom to threaten formal recognition of Palestinian statehood unless Israel halts its military campaign and commits to a genuine two-state peace process.
The announcement came during a landmark Saudi-French peace summit held at the United Nations on Tuesday, just hours after a UN-backed food security monitor confirmed that famine has officially spread across large areas of Gaza.
UK Shifts Stance: “Palestine Will Be Recognized”
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy made a passionate address at the summit, condemning Israel's blockade of aid as “drip-feeding” that has horrified the world.
“The devastation in Gaza is heartbreaking. Children are starving, and the world is watching in horror,” Lammy said. “Unless Israel ends its military campaign and commits to lasting peace, the UK will recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed this stance, joining France in pledging to support Palestinian statehood unless immediate progress is made.
“The very idea of a two-state solution is slipping away,” Starmer said. “The situation is simply intolerable.”
UN Confirms Famine, Demands Unimpeded Aid Access
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed that famine conditions are now widespread in Gaza, despite Israel’s claims of increasing aid deliveries.
“The worst-case scenario of famine is now unfolding,” the IPC warned, calling for “immediate, unimpeded humanitarian access” into Gaza to halt further starvation and death.
Israel recently announced limited pauses in military operations to allow aid into Gaza. However, UN agencies and on-ground witnesses say the situation remains dire, with desperate civilians intercepting aid trucks before they reach distribution centers.
Global Leaders Condemn Israel's Conduct
The famine declaration added momentum to mounting international criticism of Israel’s actions. Delegates from across the Middle East and beyond used the summit to demand urgent action.
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UAE Minister Khalifa Shaheen Al-Marar said the conflict must now be addressed at its root cause.
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Kuwaiti FM Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya called the humanitarian situation “unacceptable to any living conscience.”
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Yemen’s FM Shaya Mohsin Zindani emphasized the shared responsibility to uphold dignity and human rights.
South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola declared:
“The war must end. Starvation must end. This cycle of violence must stop.”
Grim Realities on the Ground
With over 60,000 deaths reported and aid severely restricted, Gaza has been described as a “land of walking corpses.”
“Hundreds have been killed while simply trying to access food and water,” said Bolivia’s Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda.
Despite Israel's military pauses, confidence in distribution remains low. The UN and humanitarian organizations continue to urge Israel to fully lift aid restrictions and ensure safe delivery.
Political Shifts and Rising Tensions
The UK joins France, San Marino, and other nations preparing to recognize Palestine unless Israel commits to peace. Yet Israel has responded defiantly:
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Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar dismissed the two-state solution as a “path to a Hamas state.”
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PM Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering a formal annexation plan for parts of Gaza — a move backed by far-right coalition partners and, reportedly, former US President Donald Trump.
“Israel will not be the Czechoslovakia of the 21st century,” Sa’ar declared, referencing the peaceful 1993 split of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Meanwhile, the Knesset recently voted 71-13 to symbolically annex the West Bank, further undermining peace prospects.
Saudi Arabia Calls for Collective Action
In his opening remarks, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called for unified international action to ensure peace and mutual recognition.
“The two-state solution is the only path to stability and prosperity for all peoples in the region,” he said.
Palestinian PM Mohammed Mustafa urged world powers to move beyond statements and pressure Israel to end annexation and settlement policies.
“Israel’s intentions are clear. It’s time for action — not just condemnation,” Mustafa said.
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