The United Kingdom announced it will recognize a Palestinian state by September if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza, escalating tensions between the countries.
The British government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, made this declaration following a cabinet meeting where Starmer emphasized the importance of timing in recognizing Palestine to help facilitate a long-lasting peace process. He stated that the UK would acknowledge the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September unless Israel takes significant steps to resolve the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“I have always said that we will recognize a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution,” Starmer explained. He urged Israel to end the violence, agree to a ceasefire, and commit to sustainable peace efforts to revive hopes for a two-state solution.
The announcement followed public outrage in the UK over images of starvation in Gaza, which Starmer addressed alongside US President Donald Trump in Scotland. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the decision, claiming it rewards terrorism by Hamas and poses a future threat to Britain.
“A jihadist state on Israel’s border TODAY will threaten Britain TOMORROW,” Netanyahu warned in a statement. He emphasized that appeasement of jihadist terrorists would ultimately be unsuccessful.
Israel’s foreign ministry expressed concern that the UK’s stance undermines efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages in Gaza. Trump mirrored some of Israel’s criticisms, stating the United States has no intention of following the UK’s lead. He remarked that although Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron share similar views, he does not have to agree with them.
During his announcement, Starmer reiterated his demands for Hamas, requiring them to release hostages, disarm, agree to a ceasefire, and exclude themselves from governing Gaza. He asserted that the UK would evaluate the progress in September to determine the next actions, stressing that no one should have veto power over the UK’s decision.
Within Starmer’s Labour Party, pressure has been mounting for a more assertive stance towards Israel, intensified by France’s recent declaration to recognize Palestinian statehood in September, a move that made it the first G7 country to do so.
France welcomed Starmer’s announcement, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot noting that the UK joined the momentum initiated by France for recognizing Palestine. Saudi Arabia and Palestinian Authority Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh also praised the UK’s decision as a commitment to international law.
Jordan described the decision as a step towards a two-state solution, according to their foreign ministry spokesperson. In contrast, Scottish First Minister John Swinney argued that Palestinian statehood should not be conditional and should be supported with sanctions against Israel if the violence continues.
Starmer attributed the decision to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and concerns that the prospect of a two-state solution is declining. He referenced a report from a UN-backed food security agency describing the condition in Gaza as a “worst-case scenario of famine,” with more than 20,000 children treated for acute malnutrition between April and mid-July.
“The reason we have announced this in the way we have in relation to the General Assembly in September is precisely because I want to ensure that this plays a part in changing the conditions on the ground,” Starmer told reporters, emphasizing the importance of aiding Gaza and striving for a hopeful two-state solution.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy supported Starmer’s position, urging Israel to halt its military actions in Gaza and pursue peace aligned with a two-state solution. He reiterated that there is no contradiction between supporting Israel’s security and Palestinian statehood.
While Spain, Ireland, and Norway recognized Palestinian statehood last year, most European nations remain reluctant to follow suit, according to the original source.