UK to recognise Palestinian state by September unless Israel halts Gaza war
Starmer ties recognition to ceasefire, humanitarian access, and two-state path
LONDON (MNTV) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will move to formally recognize the State of Palestine by September—unless Israel ends its military offensive in Gaza and commits to a lasting peace process.
The decision was made following an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
According to a government statement, the U.K. will proceed with recognition ahead of the United Nations General Assembly unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire, halts annexation plans in the occupied West Bank, and supports a negotiated two-state solution.
Starmer told ministers that Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and the diminishing prospects of a two-state solution had left the U.K. with no choice but to act.
He said recognition was meant to advance peace efforts, not replace them.
This marks a significant policy shift. While previous U.K. governments have expressed support for Palestinian statehood “when the time is right,” none have set a deadline or attached such specific conditions.
The U.K.’s plan includes immediate steps to ease the humanitarian crisis, such as airdrops of aid coordinated with Jordan and the evacuation of injured Palestinian children for treatment in British hospitals.
The government also supports resumed UN aid deliveries and a comprehensive political settlement involving transitional governance and security arrangements in Gaza.
Israel condemned the U.K.’s announcement, calling it a reward for Hamas that undermines diplomatic efforts. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said the move would damage prospects for a ceasefire, though Israel itself broke the last negotiated truce in March.
Starmer had reportedly informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the decision during a private call, but no details of that conversation have been released.
The move is backed by growing pressure within Starmer’s own Labour Party. More than half of Labour’s backbench MPs recently signed a letter urging formal recognition of Palestinian statehood as a way to push Israel toward peace.
Labour MP Sarah Champion, who led the letter, warned that the current moment may be the last opportunity to preserve the two-state solution. She said there would never be a perfect time, but the situation demanded action.
Recognition of Palestine will be part of an eight-point plan being developed with European partners. The U.K. joins a growing list of countries moving in this direction, including Spain, Ireland, Norway, and France—where President Emmanuel Macron has signaled formal recognition is imminent.
Unless Israel takes clear steps to end the war and allow humanitarian access, the U.K. will move forward with recognition in September. The government said it will assess the situation ahead of the UN General Assembly.
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