MANCHESTER: Britain鈥檚 opposition Labour Party, which is far ahead in polls before a July 4 election, pledged on Thursday to recognize a Palestinian state as a contribution to a renewed peace process.
鈥淧alestinian statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people,鈥� said Labour鈥檚 election manifesto 鈥� the collection of policies it would enact if it forms the next government.
鈥淲e are committed to recognizing a Palestinian state as a contribution to a renewed peace process which results in a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.鈥�
The current Conservative-led government has previously said Britain could formally recognize a Palestinian state before the end of a peace process, and that Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip must be given 鈥渢he political perspective of a credible route to a Palestinian state and a new future.鈥�
In May, Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognized a Palestinian state, prompting an angry reaction from Israel, which has found itself increasingly isolated after more than seven months of conflict in Gaza.