UK Threatens To Recognize Palestine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom will formally recognize the State of Palestine in September during the UN General Assembly unless Israel takes decisive steps to end the Gaza war.

He stated that the move reflects the UK’s commitment to a two-state solution, with a secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. Starmer explained that the recognition is meant to increase diplomatic pressure and keep open the possibility of peace.

The prime minister set out conditions that Israel must meet to prevent recognition, including agreeing to a ceasefire to stop the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, allowing large-scale humanitarian aid with at least 500 trucks entering the territory daily, committing to a long-term peace process leading to a two-state outcome, and explicitly rejecting annexation plans in the West Bank. He also called on Hamas to release hostages, disarm, accept a ceasefire, and withdraw from governance in Gaza.

Starmer’s announcement comes amid growing criticism over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed and aid remains restricted as famine spreads. The Israeli government rejected the UK’s stance, arguing that recognizing Palestine under current conditions would reward Hamas and undermine ceasefire efforts. The United States expressed concern over the potential consequences of such a move but did not fully oppose it.

Starmer has faced increasing domestic pressure as over 250 Labour MPs pushed for quicker recognition of Palestine, aligning with a wider European push led by France, which has pledged to grant recognition in September alongside Spain, Ireland, Norway and other nations. The UK’s planned recognition is intended as a diplomatic turning point, conditional on Israeli actions to de-escalate and commit to peace. Should these conditions not be met, London will proceed with formal recognition of Palestine at the UN in September.