UK Considers Recognizing Palestinian State Amid Ongoing Conflict

Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron's Comments Spark Backlash; Downing Street Insists No Shift in Government's Position

UK Foreign Secretary, Lord David Cameron, has indicated that the UK is considering formally recognizing a Palestinian state, a move that could help to make progress towards a two-state solution 'irreversible'.
Lord Cameron's comments have sparked backlash from backbench Conservative MPs, who argue that the timing is inappropriate amid the ongoing conflict and that it could reward Hamas's atrocities.
Despite the backlash, Downing Street has insisted that there has been no shift in the government's position, which is to recognize a Palestinian state 'at a time it best serves the cause of peace'.
Lord Cameron is set to make his fourth visit to the Middle East, where he is expected to call for stability amid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and an immediate pause in the conflict in Gaza.
Out of the 193 member states of the UN, 139 currently recognize Palestine, while Israel is recognized by 165, including the UK.