Britain Sets Series of Reforms Before Fully Opening Diplomatic Relations with Palestine

Starmer’s demand comes after Macron’s announcement of recognizing Palestine at the United Nations, within a framework that requires reforms as a condition for improving relations.

Following the French announcement of recognition, British leader Keir Starmer is expected to make it clear to Palestinian Authority officials that stopping the policy of paying allowances to Palestinian security prisoners and families of attackers is a necessary condition for establishing full diplomatic relations with London.

According to a report in The Telegraph, this demand is part of a series of reforms set by Britain and France for the Palestinian Authority, as part of advancing the two-state solution. Among the demands are changing Palestinian curricula, which Western countries consider hostile to Israel, as well as holding new elections before opening a Palestinian embassy in East Jerusalem or signing international agreements.

Meanwhile, in Israel, on Monday there were discussions about closing the French consulates in Jerusalem in protest of French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to recognize Palestine as a state at the UN.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that the allowance plan will be canceled by decree. Western sources indicated that Abbas will also need to implement political reforms and hold elections. Britain and France are working on this matter alongside other countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Malta.