UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour MPs call for urgent UK recognition of Palestine, warning Gaza faces ethnic cleansing under Israeli plans to relocate civilians to Rafah.
As reported by The Guardian, in response to Israeli plans to relocate Gaza civilians to Rafah, nearly 60 MPs have demanded Britain immediately recognise Palestine.
A group of centrist and left-leaning Labour backbenchers sent a letter to Foreign Secretary David Lammy to express concern that ethnic cleansing is underway in Gaza.
They have urged the foreign secretary to urgently act to block Israel’s proposed Rafah operation and to take the additional step of formally recognising Palestine.
The MPs’ letter came after French President Emmanuel Macron’s public appeal for recognition at a joint media event with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
What did Labour MPs warn in their letter to the Foreign Office?
The MPs wrote,
“It is with great urgency and concern that we are writing to you regarding the Israeli defence minister’s announcement on Monday of his plans to forcibly transfer all Palestinian civilians in Gaza to a camp in the ruined city of Rafah without allowing them to leave.”
They added,
“The defence minister’s plans have been described by a leading Israeli human rights lawyer, Michael Sfard, as ‘an operational plan for crimes against humanity. It’s about population transfer to the southern tip of Gaza in preparation for deportation outside the strip.’ Though an accurate description, we believe there is a clearer one. The ethnic cleansing of Gaza.”
The MPs warned,
“By not recognising [Palestine] as a state, we undermine our policy of a two-state solution and set an expectation that the status quo can continue and see the effective erasure and annexation of Palestinian territory.”
The letter is the second such call by Labour MPs in recent weeks, but the first in which they have included their names in the appeal. A previous appeal included support from some junior ministers and parliamentary aides.
Which Labour MPs signed the letter calling for Palestine recognition?
The letter calling for the recognition of Palestine was signed by the following prominent MPs:
- Sarah Owen
- Andrew Pakes
- Liam Byrne
- Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi
- Stella Creasy
- Clive Lewis
- Diane Abbott
- Dawn Butler
What did the Foreign Office say about recognising Palestine?
A foreign office spokesperson said:
“We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state and to doing so when [it] will have most impact in support of a peace process.”
What measures are Labour MPs urging the UK government to take on Palestine?
- Continue financial contributions to UNRWA to support displaced Palestinians
- Intensify diplomatic efforts to free hostages currently held in Gaza
- Enforce economic restrictions on Israeli settlement goods in the occupied territories
- Officially recognise the State of Palestine without delay
- Implement broader measures to hold Israel accountable and safeguard civilian rights
Emmanuel Macron’s views on ceasefire and Palestinian statehood
Many European nations have formally recognised Palestine. France has yet to do so, but is urging the UK and other allies to make a joint move.
During the final day of his UK state visit, Emmanuel Macron said,
“Calling today for a ceasefire in Gaza without any condition is telling the rest of the world that for us as Europeans, there is no double standard. As we are attached to human lives, as we are attached to territorial integrity, we want the ceasefire, no discussion.”
He added,
“Today, working together in order to recognise the state of Palestine and to initiate this political momentum is the only path to peace.”
Key facts about the Israel-Palestine war
- Israeli control:
As of July 2025, Israel controls about 65% of Gaza after launching a major offensive in May to defeat Hamas. - Ceasefire attempts:
A 60-day ceasefire began in January but broke down in March when Israel started attacks again, saying Hamas wouldn’t release more hostages. - Humanitarian crisis:
Over 57,000 Palestinians have died. Gaza faces massive destruction, with shortages of food, water, and medical aid. - Global response:
The UN accused Israel of “ethnic cleansing.” Countries like the UK and France have imposed sanctions or paused trade talks. - Peace talks:
New ceasefire talks are ongoing, led by the U.S. Hamas wants a permanent truce, while Israel wants Hamas dismantled first.