Media: UK’s Palestine recognition hits roadblock over terror stipends

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will insist that the Palestinian Authority halt its practice of paying stipends to families of terrorists before Britain fully opens diplomatic relations, amid backlash over the UK’s formal recognition of Palestine. The Prime Minister faces criticism from Israel, the US, and families of Israeli hostages for this significant foreign policy shift.

Starmer’s conditions include ending the so-called “pay to slay” policy, which provides financial support to families of Palestinians killed or imprisoned for attacks on Israelis, The Telegraph reports.

“Top of the list is the abolishment of the so-called ‘pay for slay’ scheme,” sources said, describing it as a key reform needed before finalising a two-state solution.

The plan also demands a revision of Palestinian school textbooks accused of containing anti-Semitic content, with Mahmoud Abbas reportedly promising reforms. Fresh elections must be held, ensuring that Hamas—responsible for the October 7 atrocities—has no future leadership role in Palestine. A Western official described these as “tangible, verifiable, measurable commitments” to test the Palestinian Authority’s readiness for genuine statehood.

Britain is coordinating with France, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Malta to press these demands. All parties agree that a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas must precede further discussions on Palestinian statehood.

The move has sparked outrage from Israel and the US. A State Department spokesman called the recognition “performative,” emphasizing their focus on “serious diplomacy.” Israeli officials warned that British Jews would “never forgive” the Labour Party for the decision, with Israel considering retaliatory actions, including closing French consulates.

Domestically, Conservatives accused Starmer of “rewarding terrorism.” Deputy Tory chairman Matt Vickers urged focus on hostage negotiations, while Labour’s Middle East minister Hamish Falconer called for a ceasefire and a path toward a “moderate Palestinian state.” Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the recognition, emphasizing it was “born of urgency and principle” and reaffirming “unwavering support” for Israel’s security.

Cooper warned Israel not to annex more West Bank territory and clarified that Britain would not open a Palestinian embassy but invited the Palestinian Authority to appoint an ambassador in London.

By Vafa Guliyeva