The SNP has urged the UK Government to follow the lead of France and officially recognise the state of Palestine.

More than 75% of member states of the United Nations - 147 of 193 - have formally acknowledged the internationally recognised Palestinian territories, which are under occupation by Israel, as the state of Palestine.

However, most countries in Western Europe, along with the United States and Canada, have refused to do so, claiming that a solution must be found between the state of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation rather than outside recognition.

All of those countries, including the UK, do formally recognise Israel though most Arab states do not. Palestine has been unable to join the UN because the United States, a permanent member of the security council, has repeatedly vetoed its accession.

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President Donald Trump has openly suggested that Palestinians be removed from Gaza, in what would amount to an ethnic cleansing, and that the land should be bought and owned by the US.

This week French president Emmanuel Macron said his country will "move toward recognition" and could officially do so at the UN conference in New York in June.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated ahead of last summer's election that he wanted to recognise Palestine, but any such move would have to come at the right time in the peace process.

It was later reported that the Labour leader would delay any such announcement over fears it could jeopardise the UK's relationship with the US.

Following Mr Macron's announcement, the SNP have urged Westminster to follow suit.

The SNP's Middle East spokesperson, Brendan O'Hara said: "Donald Trump's dangerous proposals to displace the Palestinian people make it more critical than ever that the UK stops dragging its heels, comes together with our European allies and finally recognises a Palestinian state. 

Brendan O'HaraBrendan O'Hara (Image: UK Parliament) "President Macron is showing bold leadership in moving as quicky as possible to recognise Palestine and the people of Gaza cannot afford for the UK to stall on this again. It's imperative that Sir Keir Starmer joins France and sends the clearest possible signal that we are prepared to protect and guarantee the right of the Palestinian people to their own homeland – and that all diplomatic levers will be used to prevent a plan that effectively proposes ethnic cleansing in Gaza.

“A Palestinian state is the inalienable right of the people of Palestine, not a privilege that can be trampled upon by others and anyone claiming to support a two-state solution must back immediate recognition, otherwise their words will ring hollow.

"Westminster must not repeat the mistakes it has made throughout this conflict - where political leaders have failed to speak out and even appeared to condone the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

“The UK Labour government cannot claim to support a two-state solution if it's not prepared to recognise both states and finally recognising the state of Palestine would be a powerful and meaningful step in the right direction.”

Hamish Falconer, Minister for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan said: "The UK is clear that we want to see a negotiated two-state solution, with a sovereign Palestinian state, which includes the West Bank and Gaza, alongside a safe and secure Israel, with Jerusalem as a shared capital.

"That has been the framework for peace for decades and the consistent and longstanding approach of successive UK governments and partners in the region. It is the only way to ensure, in the longer term, peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.

"It will be for Palestinians to determine the future of Gaza, with support from regional states and the wider international community as part of a peace process. We would oppose any effort to move Palestinians in Gaza to neighbouring Arab states against their will. There must be no forced displacement of Palestinians, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip which is home to 2 million Palestinians and remains an integral part of a future Palestinian State.

"Palestinian civilians should be able to return to, and rebuild, their homes and their lives. That is a right guaranteed under international law. We continue to work together with the new US administration to ensure regional security and stability, including ensuring lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians, and we thank the US for the integral role they played in negotiating the ceasefire agreement, alongside Qatar and Egypt.

"The Prime Minister reiterated this in his call with President Trump. Our shared priority must be to work together to ensure the ceasefire is implemented in full, becomes permanent, and supports a pathway to a sustainable peace."

Following the announcement that France would recognise Palestine, Israel's foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar said: "A 'unilateral recognition' of a fictional Palestinian state, by any country, in the reality that we all know, will be a prize for terror and a boost for Hamas.

"These kind of actions will not bring peace, security and stability in our region closer - but the opposite: they only push them further away."