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British Muslim organizations and mosques are commending the UK government's recent suspension of free trade talks with Israel, but are simultaneously pressing Prime Minister Keir Starmer to formally recognize the state of Palestine.
In a joint letter, numerous signatories, including prominent faith-based institutions, welcomed Foreign Secretary David Lammy's announcement earlier this week that the UK had summoned the Israeli ambassador and halted trade discussions due to concerns over Israel's military actions and humanitarian restrictions in Gaza.
While supporting this diplomatic shift, the organizations expressed deep concern that the government's actions don't go far enough. They argue that the UK's continued support for Israel and lack of decisive intervention undermine its commitment to international law and human rights.
The letter urges Starmer's administration to advocate for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all captives, an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, and crucially, the formal recognition of Palestinian statehood in line with international consensus and UN resolutions. They also demand a suspension of arms exports to Israel.
Framing their appeal as a moral imperative, the signatories emphasized their commitment to addressing the long-standing injustice faced by Palestinians. This call from British Muslim groups adds to increasing domestic and international pressure on the UK to take a more assertive stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The UK is reportedly already discussing potential recognition of a Palestinian state with France and Saudi Arabia ahead of an upcoming UN conference on the two-state solution. Lammy himself has publicly criticized the Israeli government's conduct as incompatible with the UK's relationship principles.
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