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The decision emerged amid intense internal political pressure. Downing Street sources indicated that pressure from approximately 22 Conservative and Labour Members of Parliament (MPs)—mostly from the Labour side—played a pivotal role. These MPs had called for the recognition to be announced at the upcoming Labour Party conference in London, where prominent figures like David Lammy and Sarah Champion voiced their support.
Sarah Champion, Chair of the International Development Committee and one of the signatories of the MPs' letter, expressed approval for the move but also voiced concern over certain conditions. She emphasized four key criteria for recognition:
Ending the dire situation in Gaza
Securing a ceasefire
Halting annexation efforts in the West Bank