LONDON/UNITED NATIONS/RAMALLAH/THE HAGUE - Downing Street on Tuesday urged Israel to take substantive steps to end "the appalling situation in Gaza" and commit to a long-term and sustainable peace, or else the British government will recognize the State of Palestine in September to "protect the viability of the two-state solution".

In a statement, Downing Street called on Israel to immediately allow the United Nations to resume the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza to prevent starvation, agree to a ceasefire, and clearly state that there will be no annexations in the West Bank.

The statement also called on Hamas to immediately release all hostages.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer elaborated on the conditional nature of recognizing a Palestinian state during a press conference on Tuesday. He said the British government's primary goal is to change the reality on the ground, and that "this is intended to further that cause."

Starmer also explained the timing of the announcement: "I'm particularly concerned that the idea of a two-state solution is receding and feels further away today than it has for many years."

"There is no better solution for the future of the region than two states," with Israel living with its secure borders recognized and at peace with their neighbors free from the threat of terrorism, and Palestinians living in their own state, in dignity and security free of occupations, said British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Tuesday at a high-level international conference on "The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution" held at the UN headquarters.

At a media press stakeout after his statement at the meeting, Lammy said the decision that has been taken "puts us on a pathway towards recognition" of the State of Palestine.

"We have seen the most terrific scenes. The global community is deeply offended by children being shot and killed as they reach out for aid," he told reporters.

More than 200 members of parliament from nine political parties signed a letter to the prime minister and Lammy on Saturday, calling on the government to recognize a Palestinian state.

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Gradual annexation 

Also on Thursday, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned against a gradual annexation of the Gaza Strip by Israel as a prelude to the displacement of its population.

"We warn of the dangers of the occupation's plans for the gradual annexation of the Gaza Strip," the ministry said in a press statement, considering it "a conspiracy to forcibly displace the population of the Strip and undermine the opportunity to establish a Palestinian state on the ground."

It affirmed the ministry's continued efforts to stop the "crimes of genocide, displacement, and annexation" against the Palestinians, calling on the international community to take necessary measures to halt the Israeli actions immediately.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Tuesday that Israel is "closer than ever" to reoccupying the Gaza Strip and settling there, according to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.

Meanwhile, Haaretz reported Monday night that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to present a plan to the Israeli security cabinet for annexing parts of Gaza.

According to the report, Netanyahu told ministers that Israel has given Hamas a few days to agree to a ceasefire, or Israel will begin to gradually annex parts of the Strip in stages until Hamas surrenders.

Israel has been waging a massive war in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023, which has killed more than 60,000 people, injured more than 145,000, and caused significant destruction to buildings and infrastructure.

The war followed a surprise attack launched by Hamas on southern Israel, which, according to Israeli authorities, resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages. 

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Personae non gratae

Separately, the Dutch government has declared two Israeli ministers personae non gratae, citing deep dissatisfaction with Israel's handling of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and condemning the ongoing blockade and lack of adequate humanitarian access.

In a letter to the Dutch Parliament released late Monday, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced that Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will be designated as personae non gratae and enter into the Schengen Information System as unwelcome individuals.

"This decision follows their repeated incitement of settler violence against the Palestinian population, persistent advocacy for the expansion of illegal settlements, and public calls for ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip," Veldkamp wrote.

The minister's letter paints a stark picture of the situation in Gaza, describing severe shortages of food, clean water, medicine and shelter.

"The war in Gaza must stop," he said. "The population of Gaza is suffering extreme and persistent hardship as a result of the Israeli humanitarian blockade."

He emphasized that as the occupying power, Israel has a legal obligation to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. "Israel is not sufficiently fulfilling these obligations," he added.

The Dutch government, he said, remains committed to addressing the crisis "through a combination of pressure and dialogue."

Veldkamp said the Israeli ambassador will be summoned at the ministerial level "to strongly urge Israel once again that the Netherlands call on the Netanyahu government to change course."

"The current situation is intolerable and indefensible. The summons will also be used to remind Israel to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law," he wrote.