Amnesty International has criticized the UK government’s recognition of the State of Palestine, calling it a symbolic step that lacks real meaning unless accompanied by concrete measures to end “Israel’s” genocide, illegal occupation, and system of apartheid.

Meanwhile, the genocide in Gaza continues, where more than 65,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed. Starvation is spreading across the north of Gaza, while the prospects for even a ceasefire remain dim.

Amnesty: Recognition must go beyond words

Kristyan Benedict, Amnesty’s Crisis Response Manager, stressed on Sunday that while recognition holds symbolic importance, it risks being reduced to a hollow gesture without tangible action.

"Recognition is no doubt significant but will be a hollow gesture if the UK does not also seek to end Israel’s genocide, illegal occupation, and system of apartheid against the Palestinian people," Benedict said.

He underlined that any recognition or political solution must be firmly grounded in respect for human rights and international justice.

Calls for concrete UK measures

Amnesty urged the UK to take immediate steps, including lifting the blockade on Gaza, dismantling illegal settlements, ending apartheid, respecting the right of return for Palestinians, and guaranteeing justice and reparations for victims on all sides.

"Words alone won’t stop the atrocities. Recognition must be tied to real accountability: the UK must halt UK arms exports, divest from arms companies that continue to sell arms to Israel, sanction Israeli officials implicated in crimes under international law, and stop trade with settlements," Benedict added.

In a formal statement, the rights group emphasized that recognition cannot substitute for justice.

"The occupation and apartheid system must be ended, and justice must be delivered – anything less while Palestinians continue to be slaughtered by Israeli forces in an ongoing genocide is just empty words," Amnesty declared.