Read latest Friends of BPP meeting summary

Posted: 23rd September 2025

Recognition is the beginning

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Friends Meeting Summary

The session was attended by around 50 supporters and held under Chatham House rules to allow open discussion.

The main focus was an extended conversation between two principal speakers, covering:

1. UK Recognition of Palestine
Recognition is seen as symbolically important but risks being hollow if unaccompanied by meaningful change on the ground.

While Britain’s move is welcomed, there is deep concern about the gap between international declarations and the daily reality faced by Palestinians.

2. Conditions in the West Bank and Gaza
Recent visits to the West Bank highlighted the stark contrast between Ramallah’s ‘bubble’ of relative prosperity and the surrounding areas suffering financial crisis, blocked roads, settlement expansion, and worsening restrictions.

Gaza’s devastation has made basic life unsustainable, with many people desperate to leave. Polling indicates a significant proportion of the population would emigrate if able.

3. Reconstruction Plans
Multiple plans exist, including proposals from the Palestinian Authority, the Arab League, Israel, and international actors.

The consensus among speakers was that reconstruction must be Palestinian-led, but it will also require international guarantees and Israeli tolerance to be viable.

Linking Gaza’s reconstruction to West Bank economic development was stressed as vital, to avoid Gaza being treated in isolation.

4. Political Realities
Israeli politics continues to shift to the right, reducing prospects for meaningful change from within.

Without international pressure – such as ‘smart sanctions’ tailored to Israeli policies – the current trajectory is unlikely to alter.

Discussion raised the possibility of moving towards a rights-based framework (equal rights for all between the river and the sea) if the two-state solution remains unachievable.

5. Role of International and Regional Actors
The UN has historically provided education and health services, though current proposals would see these responsibilities folded into Palestinian institutions.

Arab states, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have not downgraded relations with Israel despite the war, though Saudi Arabia’s position in the coming months will be important to watch.