The recognition of Palestinian statehood by Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal, following France’s own decision in July, is, for a people tired of tokenisms and broken promises, but a symbolic step too little too late. The truth is that the legitimate aspiration for Palestinian self-determination, as embodied in the goal of a two-state solution for peace and justice reiterated most recently in the 1993 Oslo Accords, has eluded the protracted conflict ever since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.

Britain’s recognition will be based on Palestine’s 1967 borders, prior to Israel’s occupation of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and lead to the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Palestinian authority. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been quick to clarify that........

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