Alliance support for recognition of Palestinian state 'without conditions' branded 'dangerous and irresponsible'

The party’s sole MP Sorcha Eastwood rejected the Prime Minister’s conditional offer of recognition of a Palestinian state – and demanded sanctions against Israel, but made no mention of the jihadist group controlling the Gaza strip in a statement released by her party on Tuesday night.

It followed the government announcement that it will formally recognise the Middle Eastern territory as a state unless Israel makes “substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire” and commits to a “long-term, sustainable peace”.

Sir Keir Starmer also said Hamas must immediately release all hostages, disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza.

It comes amid growing international concern about the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave. Israel invaded Gaza after Hamas and other jihadist groups launched a brutal terror attack on Israeli civilians on October 7 2023 in which 1,195 people were murdered and around 250 Israeli hostages were taken. Hamas claims 60,000 Palestinians have been killed during the Israeli invasion in response.

Ulster Unionist MLA Steve Aiken has criticised the Alliance policy, saying such a move will prolong suffering in Gaza – while the DUP deputy leader Michelle McIlveen says the proposal is “dangerous, irresponsible, and morally indefensible”.

Mrs McIlveen said: “Alliance politicians like Sorcha Eastwood claim to champion rights and equality, yet they now call for the recognition of a Palestinian state with absolutely no conditions. This is a region where Hamas - a proscribed terrorist organisation - exerts significant control, ruling through fear, glorifying violence, and suppressing dissent.

“What about the 50 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas since October 2023? What about the daily terror inflicted on both Israelis and Palestinians under this regime? It seems Alliance would rather ignore those grim realities.

“For a party that holds the Justice Ministry in the NI Executive, their support for such an unqualified recognition is deeply concerning. Endorsing a state without addressing terrorism, human rights abuses, or Israel’s security is not a path to peace, it risks legitimising violence and undermining future progress.

“There can be no credible way forward without a clear commitment to peace, mutual security, and the rejection of terror. Humanitarian concerns matter, and any long-term solution must address them, but the Prime Minister’s plan, however flawed and wrong, at least acknowledges complexity. Alliance’s call for recognition with no preconditions is not just misguided, it is morally indefensible.”

Ulster Unionist MLA Steve Aiken also criticised the move.

“Unconditionally recognising a Palestinian state now, which is a Hamas terrorist aim, fundamentally undermines any attempt to force Hamas to give up any hostages, will be spun by them as a victory and will mean continued misery for all in the region, Gaza included”, the South Antrim MLA said.

Mr Aiken said that history shows “appeasing terror never works” but “at least we, in Northern Ireland had an actual ceasefire to build on. Capitulating to Hamas main demand now will only prolong suffering. There is a time for a two state solution, it isn’t now”.

The Alliance Party statement said that Ms Eastwood had “called on the UK Government to recognise the Palestinian state without conditions”.

“This intent is welcome, particularly coming soon after France made the same move, but unfortunately when the surface is scratched, it is a heavily-caveated conditional statement from the Prime Minister.

“The inalienable right of the people of Palestine to recognition should not be used as a bargaining chip, it is an essential foundation for a two-state solution and lasting peace.

“The UK Government must cease arms sales Israel, introduce targeted sanctions, ensure the free flow of aid and demand an immediate ceasefire including the release of remaining hostages.

“The entire world has watched in horror as a genocide has unfolded. We cannot simply look away any longer. We must all work towards a lasting peace and end to the suffering being experienced by so many.”

The Lagan Valley MP walked out of Parliament earlier this year with pro-Gaza independent and hard left MPs to attend a 'Red Line Protest' organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

The News Letter has asked the Alliance Party how it can support the recognition of a regime in Gaza run by a jihadist terror group which has raped and murdered Jews in Israel, while also oppressing and murdering its own population based on their political views, religion or sexuality. It did not respond.