Things are moving quickly.
I read yesterday that the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy has come out in support of recognising the Palestinian State. I like to think that the email I sent him yesterday might have played a part, but I doubt it somehow. And anyway, it seems that Kier Starmer is against the idea and has opted instead to make a show of dropping in a small amount of aid by air.
An item on Newsnight (25/07/2025) suggested why this might be.
In this piece, Kim Darroch, the former British ambassador to the US, explained that when President Trump (and it is Trump, after all who has the power too end all this at a stroke) is put on the spot in public, he is inclined to respond aggressively. By contrast, in private conversations, that are more suited to his favourite deal-making conceit, there is a chance of reaching some sort of agreement. It was Kim Darroch’s assertion that Starmer understands this and has made it the key to his dealings with the president.
According to this line of reasoning British recognition of a Palestinian State would be just the sort of thing likely to send Trump into a tantrum and while it might nurture our ongoing sense of outrage, it would arguably do little to bring an end to the genocide.
So I am less clear about this issue than I was when I wrote on Friday. All the same, there remains something that I believe could be highly effective in helping bring an end to the ongoing tragedy in Gaza, namely a widespread campaign to end the ban on international journalists. One hears it stated again and again how accurate and reliable reporting from inside Gaza is not possible while journalists continue to be denied access by the occupying power.
I believe we should challenge this ruling. At some point in the future, journalists and film crews will go into Gaza and testify to what has been done there. There is surely no better time for this to happen than right now.
Hi Dave. I sent in a comment on Friday night which seems to have disappeared into the virtual ether, to the effect that recognition of a Palestinian state is over twenty years too late as a demand. What is there left that would constitute it? Nothing is left of Palestine that isn’t occupied or wasted! And that nothing short of a total stop on all military and diplomatic support for Israel and the genocide it is perpetrating in Gaza, which we all know – without the need for Western journalists to confirm – is what is going on, will do anything to stop. As you say, Trump it is who holds the cards (!) and no-one (in the West!) seems to dare to challenge him for fear of waking the beast! Wilson was the last Labour PM to dare to say no to a US president. Don’t hold out any hope from this government, and be careful what you say. You could be identified as a terrorist!
was the last Labour PM who dared to stand up to a US president
Wizard_bisan1 reports daily from inside Gaza. Do you follow her, Dave?
No I don’t know her Merlyn.
Have just looked her up and followed.
Thanks for the recommendation and apologies for the tardy response