Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Tuesday that unless Israel takes a number of concrete actions, including a Gaza ceasefire, the United Kingdom will formally acknowledge the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September. The announcement came after an emergency cabinet meeting in reaction to rising worldwide criticism regarding the worsening humanitarian situation in the territory.
The plan, arranged in coordination with France, would enable the UK and France to become the first G7 countries to officially accept Palestinian statehood. Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron verified that Paris will follow suit in September. Malta next signed the pledge; Prime Minister Robert Abela declared the Mediterranean country would also support acknowledgement at the UN meeting.
Conditions Starmer defined Israel must meet include lifting aid restrictions and vowing fresh attempts for a two-state solution. He also insisted that Hamas release hostages, disarm, and give up any involvement in the management of Gaza.
Starmer stated in a television address, “This is the time to act.” “The two-state solution is under attack; we would acknowledge a Palestinian state at the time of greatest influence for peace.”
Immediate criticism of the UK head’s statement came from Israel, which referred to the move as a “reward for Hamas” that might jeopardize truce negotiations. While Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas praised the decision, Starmer claimed he had spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to press for an end to the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.
France’s foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot commended the UK for joining “the momentum created by France,” while Starmer’s foreign secretary David Lammy said the decision carried “the hand of history,” referencing Britain’s historical significance in the area.
Already acknowledged by more than 140 nations, Palestine’s recognition by the UK, France, and Malta—longtime allies of Israel and permanent members of the UN Security Council—would signal a major diplomatic change.
Under growing internal pressure from lawmakers and humanitarian groups, Starmer also verified the UK had started airdropping aid into Gaza with Jordanian assistance but stressed land deliveries remained vital to solve the deteriorating situation of the area.
