Political commentator Jake Wallis Simons has launched a scathing attack on the Prime Minister's Palestine policy, declaring that "Keir Starmer has sided with the Jihadis against Israel and British interest."

Speaking on GB News, Wallis Simons condemned the Government's approach, arguing that Palestinian leadership seeks statehood not for peaceful coexistence but as a stepping stone to Israel's destruction.

The commentator suggested the Prime Minister would struggle with his conscience, stating: "If I was Keir Starmer going to bed this evening alongside my Jewish wife, by the way, I think I would be lying awake thinking 'what have I done?'"

He highlighted that terrorist organisation Hamas had welcomed the announcement, claiming it brought "liberation" nearer.

GB NEWS

The Prime Minister revealed on Tuesday that the UK would grant formal recognition to a Palestinian state as soon as September, setting out specific conditions for Israel to avoid this outcome.

During a Cabinet meeting, Starmer outlined that recognition would proceed unless the Israeli government takes concrete action to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and demonstrates genuine commitment to establishing lasting peace.

The conditions set by Downing Street include halting the conflict in Gaza, pledging against West Bank annexation, and engaging in meaningful negotiations towards a two-state framework.

"Unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, reaches a ceasefire, makes clear there will be no annexation in the West Bank, and commits to a long-term peace process that delivers a two-state solution, Britain will proceed with recognition," Starmer stated.

GB NEWS

The announcement has triggered fierce criticism across the political spectrum, with the Conservative opposition branding it a capitulation to terrorism.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel accused the Prime Minister of "appeasing his backbenchers," whilst both American and Israeli officials reportedly described the policy as rewarding Hamas for the 7 October attacks and their continued detention of Israeli captives.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn attacked from the opposite direction, insisting Palestinian sovereignty "is not a bargaining chip" and demanding immediate arms embargoes and sanctions against Israel.

A British citizen previously held captive by Hamas for over twelve months has also denounced the decision, though specific details of their criticism were not disclosed.

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Pro-Palestine protesters will feel emboldened, Wallis Simons said on GB News

The Prime Minister defended the timing, citing the deteriorating humanitarian situation and stalled peace negotiations.

Wallis Simons warned that the policy would strengthen Hamas's negotiating position, explaining that the terrorist group had already toughened its stance during Qatar talks last week after witnessing international pressure on Israel.

He argued that withholding a ceasefire and maintaining the suffering of Palestinians would now benefit Hamas strategically, as Israel would bear the blame and face forced recognition of Palestinian statehood.

The commentator expressed concern about domestic implications, predicting that street demonstrations would intensify.

"They're going to say 'Keir Starmer buckles to pressure from the Islamists and progressives, we've got him on the run and is creating foreign policy based on what we're doing'," he said.

He described this as a dangerous precedent, questioning: "What's going to be next?"