Jeremy Corbyn on UK Recognition of Palestine and Continued Pressure on Israel

UK Recognition of Palestine

• 🇬🇧 The United Kingdom, along with Canada, Australia, and Portugal, has formally recognized the state of Palestine, joining over 140 countries.
• 💡 This recognition is seen as a huge step forward after years of campaigning, though it is acknowledged that recognition alone will not halt colonization or oppression.
• 🇵🇸 The recognition is based on the 1967 borders, encompassing the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Calls for Increased Pressure on Israel

• ⚠️ Jeremy Corbyn emphasizes that recognition must be accompanied by renewed demands and political pressure on the British government.
• 🚫 This includes calls to end all arms supplies to Israel and impose real economic sanctions.
• 🗓️ The largest demonstration in support of Palestine is being organized for October 11th in London due to widespread anger over the situation in Gaza.

Impact on Israeli Settlements and International Law

• ⚖️ The recognition damages the pretense of legal status for Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are described as a form of occupation and part of a "greater Israel" plan.
• 🌍 The settlements' position in international law is becoming less tenable, as Israel, the occupying power, is bound by the Fourth Geneva Convention and is violating its provisions.
• 🌐 International law risks being brought into disrepute if the global community does not act to ensure aid delivery, support flotillas, and stop arms flow.

Geopolitical Implications

• 🇺🇸 The recognition further isolates the United States in global opinion, as it remains one of the few major countries still supporting Israel.
• 🤝 Corbyn expresses solidarity with Palestinian campaigners in the USA and pledges support to help force the administration to change its policy.