Rishi Sunak on Palestine

Rishi Sunak's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has centred on an unequivocal backing for Israel's right to defend itself following the October 7 attacks, which he labelled a pogrom. He stated this position to the House of Commons in October 2023, while simultaneously mourning the loss of innocent Palestinian lives and stressing that Israel must act in line with international humanitarian law. The Prime Minister also announced an increase in UK humanitarian aid to Gaza and underscored the objective of sustaining the prospects for peace, ultimately requiring a two-state solution for security, freedom, and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Subsequent to the initial escalation, his focus shifted to domestic issues arising from the conflict, specifically addressing pro-Palestine protests. He warned that the UK democracy was being targeted by “extremists” amidst a “shocking increase in extremist disruption,” drawing criticism for conflating peaceful protestors with extremists and being accused of using the Muslim population as a “whipping boy.” While maintaining the UK's policy on recognising a Palestinian state would not change, he championed exploring joining an International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace as a route toward coexistence.