LONDON: The UK will recognise the state of Palestine in September unless Israel takes major action to end the war in Gaza, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned. The move is part of a broader push to revive the two-state solution.
The focus keyphrase “state of Palestine” was repeated three times by Starmer in a strong message to Israel to stop the “appalling situation” in Gaza. “We’ve always intended to recognise Palestine at a moment of maximum impact,” Starmer said, adding, “That moment is now.”
He called for a full ceasefire, the return of hostages, a halt to West Bank annexations, and unrestricted aid access to Gaza. Unless these conditions are met, the UK will back Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly in September.
Starmer urged Israel to let at least 500 trucks with aid enter Gaza daily and stressed that only a long-term settlement can resolve the crisis. “The ceasefire must lead to a wider peace plan,” he said, confirming UK coordination with the US, Egypt, and Qatar.
Starmer also clarified that Hamas must play no role in Gaza’s future governance, and must release all hostages, disarm, and accept a ceasefire.
Israel hit back, saying the UK’s position “rewards” Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organisation by the UK, US, EU, and Israel.
France has also announced plans to recognise Palestine in September, increasing pressure on Israel. Aid agencies and the UN have warned that famine is imminent in Gaza, though Israel denies this.
