Trump to address UN general assembly as Israeli attacks on Gaza City continue – Middle East crisis live
US president to address UN general assembly in New York after UK, France, Belgium, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognised a Palestinian state
My colleagues Patrick Wintour and Archie Bland have this on what the recognition of a Palestinian state actually means in practice:
Recognition of the existence of a state rests on four criteria set out in the 1933 Montevideo convention: a permanent population, a defined territory, an ability to hold diplomatic relations with other nations, and a government.
Even if some of those features are threatened or disputed – as in Palestine, where large parts are occupied and the government recognised by countries such as the UK has no real authority in Gaza – the state can still be recognised: in the end, doing so is a political choice.
We call again on the Israeli government to lift the unacceptable restrictions at the border, stop these cruel tactics, and let the aid surge in. With the actions of Hamas, the Israeli government escalating the conflict and settlement building being accelerated in the West Bank, the hope of a two- state solution is fading. But we cannot let that light go out…
As part of this effort I set out in July the terms upon which we would act in line with our manifesto to recognise Palestinian statehood. That moment has now arrived. So today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly, as prime minister of this great country, that the United Kingdom formally recognises the state of Palestine.