Black Community News News and Commentary for Christians
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On Monday evening, Britain voted in favor 274 to 14 in recognition of the “State of Palestine” Monday evening following four hours of debate.
While the vote does not designate “Palestine” as a state, it would and can do so if a two-state solution is to occur.
Palestinian legislator for the PLO Hanan Ashrawi stated that the vote was a “significant step towards justice and peace” and that the British government and Europe should continue to “boost voices” for recognition of Palestine. She added, “Our right to self-determination has never been up to negotiations. The recognition of Palestine is not contingent upon on the outcome of negotiations with Israel and certainly not something we will trade for; this claim is not only unfair, but immoral
The Israeli Embassy in London released a statement on the British Parliaments vote: “The route to Palestinian statehood runs through the negotiation room. Premature international recognition sends a troubling message to the Palestinian leadership that they can evade the tough choices that both sides have to make, and actually undermines the chances to reach a real peace. Recognition of a Palestinian state should be the result of a successful conclusion of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.”
The parliament amended the motion of “this House believes that the government should recognize the state of Palestinian alongside the State of Israel” to include “as a contribution to securing a negotiated two state solution” signifying its support for a two-state solution and negotiations.
Amir Tsarfati, a Jewish Christian, is the founder and president of Behold Israel, a news site to correct the scarcity in trustworthy reportage on issues and events impacting Israel, and to resolve the uncertainty about who or what to believe.
