The UK government has announced that it will formally recognize Palestine as a state by September unless Israel takes substantive steps to address the situation in Gaza and works towards a long-term peace process. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made this statement after recalling his cabinet from recess for urgent talks on the worsening situation in Gaza. The potential recognition of Palestine as a state is part of the UK’s plan for a lasting peace in the region, which includes a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.
Starmer’s decision comes amid growing domestic and international pressure to formally recognize a Palestinian state, particularly as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The UK leader has demanded that Israel takes several steps, including ending the “appalling situation” in Gaza, reaching a ceasefire, making clear that there will be no annexation in the West Bank, and committing to a long-term peace process. If Israel meets these conditions, the UK may reconsider its decision to recognize Palestine as a state.
The UK’s potential recognition of Palestine would make it one of the first G7 nations to do so, following France’s announcement last week that it would formally recognize a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly meeting in September. US President Donald Trump has reportedly given his blessing for the recognition move, stating that he doesn’t mind the UK taking a position on the matter. Starmer has also emphasized that no one should have a veto over the UK’s decision, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the need for action.
In conjunction with this announcement, the UK has dropped its first aid by air into the Gaza Strip, with UN aid agencies warning that the Palestinian territory is slipping into famine. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been a major concern, with Starmer emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the suffering of the Palestinian people.
