Opinion: ‘Recognising Palestine is an important step, but there’s still more to do now’

The UK government’s recognition of the state of Palestine is an important contribution towards a two-state solution, with a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel. It is a decision that UNISON has long campaigned for, alongside other Labour affiliated trade unions.

On Monday, at the invitation of the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, I was honoured to attend the event in London where the Palestinian flag was raised to mark this historic occasion.

Of itself this won’t alleviate the immediate suffering in Gaza and the West Bank, but it does affirm the UK’s commitment to a two-state solution, and it means that four of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council now recognise Palestine.

Christina McAnea and Palestinian ambassador Husam Zomlot

While the US president undoubtedly has the most potential influence with the Israeli government, there is significantly more the UK government can and must do to demand a ceasefire, an end to the famine and to secure the release of hostages.

Last week a United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry confirmed that the Israeli government has committed genocide in Gaza. Famine has been declared in vast areas and Gaza City, the most heavily populated area, is currently under heavy bombardment and assault.

UNISON has consistently called on our government to fully suspend the arms trade and the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement, and apply sanctions to put pressure on the Israeli government to respect international law.

We have also called for a ban on trade with the illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, to stop the attacks on Palestinian communities and end the annexation of the territory.

We also need keep up the pressure on the companies that profit from the occupation and continue to sell arms used in violations of international law, including by demanding our pensions are invested ethically.

There must be far stronger action to get medical aid and food to the people of Gaza. Most of all we need our government to act now, before it’s too late.

A crowd celebrates outside what was the Palestinian Mission in London, which now becomes the Palestinian Embassy

The article Opinion: ‘Recognising Palestine is an important step, but there’s still more to do now’ first appeared on the UNISON National site.