UK to Recognise Palestinian State in September if Isreal Fails to Act – Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that Britain will formally recognise the State of Palestine in September—unless Israel takes a series of “substantive steps,” including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.

The declaration, part of Starmer’s vision for a “lasting peace,” follows an emergency cabinet meeting convened during recess to address the deepening humanitarian crisis in the territory. The UK’s potential recognition, alongside a similar pledge by France, would mark the first by any G7 nation.

In a televised address from Downing Street following the cabinet session, Starmer stated that the UK would proceed with recognition if Israel fails to meet the outlined conditions before the UN General Assembly in September.

It must “end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace, reviving the prospect” of a two-state solution, he said.

“I’ve always said we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution,” Starmer added.

“With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act.”

The UK prime minister also listed demands for the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is holding Israeli hostages following its October 7, 2023 attacks.

“They must immediately release all of the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza,” he declared.

ISRAEL REJECTS MOVE, PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY WELCOMES IT

Israel swiftly rejected the UK’s stance, saying it “constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.”

Starmer had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to the announcement, with a Downing Street spokeswoman stating that “the situation in Gaza was intolerable.”

“He urged the prime minister to take immediate action to lift all restrictions on aid access,” she said.

Starmer also held a call with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who “welcomed” the UK’s recognition plan, according to the same statement.

France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, welcomed London’s decision, describing it as joining “the momentum created by France” to “stop the endless cycle of violence.” French President Emmanuel Macron last week confirmed that Paris would recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly on September 23.

Although over 140 countries have recognised Palestine, the significance of the UK and France doing so is heightened by their positions as nuclear powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council.

NO ONE HAS A VETO – STARMER

Starmer made clear that the UK will independently assess progress made by the parties in September.

“We will make an assessment in September on how far the parties have met” the conditions, he said.

But he added firmly: “No one should have a veto over our decision.”

Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaking from a UN conference in New York co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia to promote a two-state solution, echoed Starmer’s position.

Lammy said it was “with the hand of history on our shoulders” that Britain intended to act—referencing the UK’s historic role in Israel’s founding through the 1917 Balfour Declaration.

RISING DOMESTIC PRESSURE

Starmer’s government has faced mounting pressure at home and abroad to recognise a Palestinian state.

During his state visit to the UK this month, Macron urged Starmer to join France in a joint recognition. Domestically, more than 220 British lawmakers from nine parties, including Labour, signed a letter last week calling for the UK to take that step.

Recognition was also part of Labour’s election-winning manifesto, supporting “a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.”

With Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsening, the urgency has grown. “The Palestinian people have endured terrible suffering,” Starmer said. “It must end.”

His office confirmed that the UK carried out its first humanitarian airdrop into Gaza on Tuesday with Jordan’s assistance, delivering “lifesaving supplies.”

In a phone call, Starmer thanked King Abdullah II of Jordan. However, his spokeswoman noted both leaders agreed airdrops are no substitute for land-based aid deliveries, which remain essential for addressing the crisis at scale.