Wither Hamas?

Much of the debate has focused on what impact recognition of a Palestinian state would have on the two bodies (Hamas and the Palestinian Authority) currently governing Palestine with opponents of the vote suggesting it would strengthen the hand of Hamas, an organisation deemed terrorists by the U.S.

MP James Clappison accused Hamas, the Islamist government controlling Gaza, of "locking Gaza into a deeply depressing cycle of violence" and being "reckless to the consequences of this to the population.

Clappison said: "The Palestinian authority took a backward step when they entered into a unity agreement earlier this year."