Britain risks rewarding terrorism if it recognises Palestinian statehood without demanding an end to “payments for murder”, the Government has been warned. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK will recognise the state of Palestine this month unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza and revives the prospect of a two-state solution.
Critics of the Palestinian Authority (PA) have accused it of running a “pay for slay” fund by providing payments to families of Palestinians imprisoned or killed by Israel’s forces. In February, following longstanding pressure from the United States, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree overturning the payments system. However, there are strong concerns that militants continue to benefit from support.
Conservative MP Katie Lam said: “The Prime Minister’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state rewards terrorism. Not only does it leave Israeli hostages to the cruelty of Hamas, it legitimises the worst acts of the Palestinian Authority.
“It is nonsensical that the UK would do this without demanding the PA end its sickening payments for murder and terrorism. Labour hasn’t just lost its moral compass, it’s lost the plot.”
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We welcome the vital progress made by the Palestinian Authority to reform prisoner payments. The Palestinian Authority must now ensure an independent audit verifies that the reforms have been completed.
“Alongside our partners, the UK will continue to support the Palestinian Authority as it delivers its important reform agenda.”
International horror at the death toll in Gaza has put the issue of Palestinian statehood on the international agenda. States including Australia, Belgium, Canada and France have unveiled plans to recognise Palestine at a meeting of the UN General Assembly.
Lord Walney, a former Government adviser on political violence, said the Palestinian Authority had an “appalling record of glorifying and financially rewarding acts of terrorism” and said British taxpayers would be “horrified to learn” it is “now set to be gifted statehood”.
He said: “The British Government cannot hope to tackle extremism at home if it rewards it abroad.”
The Palestinian Mission to the UK was invited to comment.
