• US Vice President JD Vance confirms no plans to recognize Palestinian statehood.
• The UK aims to recognize Palestine if Israel does not implement a ceasefire.
• Discussions centered on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and relations with Hamas.

During a recent diplomatic visit to the UK, US Vice President JD Vance reaffirmed Washington’s stance against recognizing a Palestinian state, questioning its viability due to the lack of functional governance. "Obviously, the UK is going to make its decision. We have no plans to recognize a Palestinian state," Vance stated while meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House in Kent. Their discussion comes as the UK is poised to officially recognize Palestinian statehood if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza, reflecting diverging approaches to the ongoing conflict, according to AA and India Times.

Vance further articulated the US's dual objectives concerning the Israel-Gaza situation, aiming to eradicate Hamas to prevent attacks against Israeli civilians, while addressing the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza that has escalated dramatically. “The president has been very moved by these terrible images... So, we want to make sure that we solve that problem,” he remarked. This statement echoes the sentiments expressed by Lammy, who highlighted the urgent need for a ceasefire and alleviating humanitarian suffering in Gaza, according to TRT and Al Jazeera.

In addition to discussing Gaza, the meeting navigated other geopolitical concerns, such as Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Vance's remarks reflected the complicated nature of international diplomacy and the variations in national policy approaches, underscoring historical ties between the UK and the US despite current disagreements over the Palestinian issue. This contrast was further emphasized by Vance’s earlier declaration that resolving such a complex issue “would have been done already” if it were easy, he stated, reaffirming the US position that recognition of Palestinian statehood may inadvertently reward Hamas, according to BBC and India Times.