The UK Government has reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer stating there is “no plan B” and warning against Israel’s expansion of military operations in Gaza.
UK insists on two-state solution amid Gaza crisis
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Falconer made clear that British policy differs from that of Israel, and this will remain the case until a path to a two-state solution is restored.
His remarks came in response to Dame Emily Thornberry, Labour MP and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, who pressed the Government on its approach should Israel’s right-wing government prioritise its survival over hostage negotiations or proceed with annexation in the West Bank or Gaza.
“What is this Government actually doing to turn our allies’ heads from American trade wars to the tragedy unfolding in the Middle East?” she asked.
“What is Plan B if annexation isn’t just threatened but actually happens, which is happening now?”
‘There is no plan B,’ says falconer
Mr Falconer acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but insisted that the only viable solution remains a two-state framework:
“She asks whether there’s a Plan B. In all of my experience, there can be no Plan B in Israel-Palestine.
There is only one route, widely understood by our allies in the region and beyond, and it must be a two-state solution.”
He added that compliance with international humanitarian law is fundamental to achieving this goal.
“The British Government’s policy and the Israeli Government’s policy differ. It is going to continue to differ until we return to a pathway to a two-state solution.”
UK opposes Israel’s expanded military operations in Gaza
The discussion followed Israel’s latest military escalation in Gaza, which Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described as an effort to “crush and clean the area” of militants and expand security zones for the state.
Hospital officials in Gaza reported that recent Israeli strikes had killed more than 30 people, including children.
Responding to an urgent question on Israel’s military expansion, Mr Falconer strongly criticised the offensive, saying:
“We are deeply concerned about the resumption of hostilities in Gaza. The UK does not support an expansion of Israel’s military operations.”
He added that further bloodshed was “in nobody’s interest” and that all sides, including Israel, must adhere to international humanitarian law.
“It is clear that this conflict cannot be won by bombs and bullets but by diplomacy.”
Call for ceasefire and humanitarian aid
Mr Falconer also urged Israel to immediately restore the flow of aid into Gaza, warning that the blockade of essential goods could be a breach of international humanitarian law.
“Aid should never be used as a political tool. Israel must restart the flow of aid immediately. Blocking goods supplies and power entering Gaza should not be happening.”
His comments were welcomed by Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer, who called Israel’s military expansion “domination and erasure”, rather than a security measure.
However, she challenged the Government to go further, urging Mr Falconer to formally recognise Israel’s actions as genocide and initiate an investigation into war crimes in the region.
Falconer: Legal determinations must be made by courts
Mr Falconer refused to label the conflict as genocide, saying:
“Determinations of breaches of serious international law are for competent courts, and we support those courts in their work.”
His response reflects the UK Government’s position of supporting international legal processes rather than making unilateral declarations.
Shadow Foreign secretary questions UK’s influence
Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel expressed scepticism over the UK’s ability to influence events in Israel and Gaza, arguing that British diplomacy lacks real leverage in resolving the conflict.
“It is unclear what level of influence the UK Government has over the situation in Israel and Gaza.”
She also stressed that a lasting peace could not be achieved without the release of all hostages still held by Hamas.
“The key to a sustainable end to this conflict is the release of the remaining 59 hostages so cruelly being held by Hamas terrorists.”
More Read
‘Serious risk’ Israel is acting beyond self-defence
Mr Falconer later suggested that Israel’s actions might be exceeding the boundaries of legitimate self-defence.
Liberal Democrat MP Andrew George (St Ives) pressed him to admit that Israel’s military actions could no longer be justified as self-defence.
In response, Mr Falconer stated:
“We have said we think there is a serious risk of breaches of international humanitarian law. That is the same as saying that we think there is a serious risk Israel is not simply acting in its own legitimate self-defence.”
A conflict with no clear end
The Israel-Gaza war erupted after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
In response, Israel launched an unprecedented military campaign in Gaza, which has since claimed over 50,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
As the conflict continues, pressure is mounting on global leaders to revive peace talks—but with deepening divisions between Israel and its allies, achieving a two-state solution remains a distant prospect.
