In a dramatic shift in Middle East policy, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that Britain will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September—unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and a comprehensive peace initiative.
Speaking after an emergency cabinet session, Starmer described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “intolerable” and warned that continued diplomatic inertia risks extinguishing the possibility of a two-state solution. “This is intended to further that cause,” he said. “The idea of a two-state solution feels further away today than it has for many years.”
Conditions for Recognition
Starmer outlined an eight-point plan that ties British recognition to concrete actions by Israel. Among the key demands:
- Immediate humanitarian relief in Gaza, including scaled-up access for aid convoys. Starmer cited the need for “500 trucks entering Gaza daily.”
- A formal ceasefire to halt ongoing hostilities and civilian casualties.
- A pledge to halt annexation of territories in the occupied West Bank.
- A commitment to a long-term peace process, aimed at establishing a sovereign Palestinian state alongside a secure Israeli state.
Absent these steps by September, the UK will proceed with recognising Palestine—marking a major departure from its historic diplomatic posture.
International Reactions
Israel swiftly rejected the ultimatum. In a strongly worded statement, the government accused the UK of “rewarding Hamas” and undermining efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The response follows similar criticism of France, which announced last week its intention to recognise a Palestinian state at the same UN session.
The United States offered a more cautious response. President Donald Trump, returning from talks in Scotland with Starmer, refrained from taking a definitive stance. “I don’t mind him taking a position. I’m looking to get people fed right now,” he said.
However, the US State Department condemned France’s move as “counterproductive,” and echoed concerns that unilateral recognition could embolden Hamas and derail negotiations.
Domestic and Global Momentum
The UK’s announcement aligns with increasing political pressure at home. Over 220 MPs from nine parties recently signed a letter urging recognition, led by Labour MP Sarah Champion. “A two-state solution remains the only viable proposal to secure lasting peace,” she said.
Globally, around 140 nations recognise Palestinian statehood. Spain, Ireland, and Norway formalised recognition last year, and France appears poised to follow suit in September—now matching the UK’s timeline.
Clarifying Position on Hamas
Responding to backlash, Starmer rejected any suggestion of moral equivalence between Hamas and Israel. He reiterated calls for Hamas to release hostages, disarm, and remove itself from Gaza’s future governance. “There is no equivalence,” he declared.
With the countdown to September underway, the UK’s move injects new urgency into stalled peace efforts and intensifies debate over international diplomacy’s role in shaping the path forward.
