The UK is discussing with France plans to announce the recognition of Palestine in early summer. This move could coincide with the international conference on the implementation of the two-state solution, which will be held under the auspices of the UN from June 2 to 4, reports The Guardian.

Speaking to a parliamentary committee on Wednesday, UK Secretary David Lammy confirmed for the first time that London and Paris are discussing the matter of recognizing Palestine in connection with the upcoming conference organized by Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, Lammy had emphasized that a necessary condition for the recognition of Palestinian state would be the complete removal of members of the radical Hamas movement from power in the Gaza Strip and the departure of this movement’s leaders from the autonomy.

Recognition of Palestine by two permanent members of the UN security council would be a powerful statement, but faces many diplomatic hurdles, including a need for greater clarity about what France is proposing and whether recognition could form part of a credible process towards a two-state solution, something Israel is opposing. The Israeli leadership believes that the recognition of Palestine will strengthen the positions of Hamas and Iran.

Moreover, as Lammy emphasized in his speech, London does not want the recognition of Palestine by UK and France to be a purely symbolic gesture. According to him, such a move should be taken at a time when it can have the greatest impact and change the situation in the region for the better.