Sir Keir Starmer has probably taken his biggest diplomatic misstep yet as Prime Minister. His decision that the UK will recognise a sovereign Palestinian state is one that is likely to hurt him both domestically and internationally.
The Labour leader has been pushed into this by backbench MPs and dismal poll ratings. It is a move that is most likely to backfire at the ballot box and on the world stage. Critics are mounting in their fury and tensions are rising across Europe.
Most tellingly, families of hostages held in Gaza have called the move a “betrayal of humanity and a move that rewards Hamas while 48 hostages remain in captivity”.
Donald Trump says the decision “rewards Hamas”.
To be blunt, Hamas does not want a two-state solution because it is opposed to the existence of Israel.
The Iranian-backed terrorist organisation responsible for horrific atrocities and mass murder continues to control Gaza, reject ceasefires and hold civilians hostage.
Many critics argue that rushing to recognise Palestine now sends a dangerous message to the world that terrorism pays.
The largely symbolic step has been coordinated with Canada, Australia and Portugal and France.
Meanwhile, violent clashes swept across Italy as pro-Palestine protesters clashed with riot police during a general strike in solidarity with Gaza.
France, which has the highest population of Jews in Europe, is therefore the main recipient of Israel’s fury.
But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu branded the UK move “absurd” and “simply a reward for terrorism”.
Britain and Sir Keir, it would appear, is going to bear the consequences for many years to come.
