
British Minister Peter Kyle stated that the UK government remains committed to recognizing the Palestinian state, but did not give a timeline for this step, stressing that sovereignty must be "applicable at the moment of declaration of statehood."
His statement comes a day after France announced it would officially recognize the state of Palestine in September.
Asked by the BBC whether the UK would follow France's example, Kyle replied that the current priority is the humanitarian emergency in Gaza and the need to ensure "food is on people's plates."
He added that the British prime minister will hold a meeting with the leaders of France and Germany to discuss the situation in the Middle East.
"It is a commitment of this government, included in our manifesto, that we want to help create statehood for Palestine. This must happen in a way that empowers the Palestinian people and brings long-term peace and stability. We are calling for a ceasefire, and then we will do everything we can from a position of support for the region to create the conditions that will lead to negotiations for Palestinian statehood and the security that the region needs," he said.
This statement by the British government comes at a time when international pressure for a political solution and recognition of the Palestinian state is increasing significantly, especially after recent developments in the Gaza Strip.