British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will formally recognize the State of Palestine by September — coinciding with the UN General Assembly — unless Israel takes immediate and concrete steps to end the war on Gaza and engage in a political process toward peace.
The declaration came after an emergency cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street, where Starmer laid out the UK’s position in unusually direct terms. The UK has historically supported a two-state solution but never tied recognition to a deadline or specific conditions, marking this as a major shift in British foreign policy.
According to a government statement, recognition will proceed unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza, abandons plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, commits to negotiations for a two-state solution.
Starmer reportedly informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the plan in a private call prior to the public statement. Israel reacted angrily, branding the UK’s move a “reward for Hamas” and warning it could derail ceasefire negotiations, according to news reports.
US President Donald Trump denied speaking with Starmer about the recognition plan, saying, “We never did discuss it,” during remarks aboard Air Force One.
The announcement comes amid severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with UN agencies warning of looming famine and more than 60,000 deaths since the war began. The UK’s plan is part of an eight-point peace initiative coordinated with European nations, including France, which has already declared its intention to recognize Palestine. Other European countries — Norway, Spain, and Ireland — have previously done so.
More than half of Labour backbench MPs signed a letter urging immediate recognition of Palestine as leverage for a negotiated peace. Labour MP Sarah Champion, who led the initiative, said: “There will never be a perfect moment, but this may be our last chance to ensure a two-state solution.”
Starmer emphasized the urgency of the moment, saying, “The idea of a two-state solution is slipping away. This is not symbolic — it’s strategic. Recognition is intended to keep peace within reach.”
He also reiterated that the UK’s conditions on Hamas remain unchanged: it must release hostages, accept a ceasefire, disarm, and play no role in governing Gaza.
