One of Donald Trump's most senior allies has suggested Sir Keir Starmer's 'clumsy' pledge to recognise a Palestinian state has reduced the chances of a ceasefire.
Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, warned that Hamas could refuse to allow a peace deal with Israel in the wake of the Prime Minister's announcement.
Sir Keir this week sparked a furious backlash by saying Britain could recognise Palestinian statehood in September, ahead of the UN General Assembly.
The UK will only refrain from doing so if Israel allows more aid into Gaza, stops annexing land in the West Bank, agrees to a ceasefire, and signs up to a long-term peace process over the next two months.
Hamas must immediately release all remaining Israeli hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and 'accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza', Sir Keir also said - although ministers have insisted they 'won't negotiate' with the terror group.
