Sir Keir Starmer has stated that the UK will recognize a Palestinian state by September unless Israel undertakes “substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza.”
The Prime Minister outlined conditions Israel must meet, including agreeing to a ceasefire and enabling the United Nations to resume aid delivery; failure to do so would prompt the UK to act at September’s UN General Assembly.
The government’s prior stance advocated recognition as part of a peace process, timed for maximum impact.
However, mounting pressure, including from within his own party, has urged the PM to accelerate action.
Last week, France declared its intention to officially recognize a Palestinian state in September, marking the first such move among the G7 nations.
Announcing the plan after an emergency cabinet meeting, Sir Keir cited the “intolerable situation” in Gaza and fears that “the very possibility of a two-state solution is reducing” as the impetus for the decision.
He told reporters that the UK’s vision of “a safe secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state” was “under pressure like never before.”
The PM stressed that his “primary aim” was to alleviate the situation in Gaza, prioritizing aid access.
Sir Keir specified that UK recognition of a Palestinian state hinges on Israeli government actions, including:
Concurrently, he insisted that Hamas must release all hostages immediately, agree to a ceasefire, disarm, and concede any governing role in Gaza.
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The announcement coincides with aid agencies’ warnings that Israel’s recent measures to increase aid supplies remain insufficient.
PM: UK to Recognize Palestinian State Pending Conditions
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The ministry reports that at least 112 people were killed in the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday morning, with 22 fatalities occurring while attempting to secure aid.