In a significant diplomatic development, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared on Tuesday that Britain is prepared to officially recognise the State of Palestine in September unless Israel implements a series of concrete actions, notably agreeing to a Gaza ceasefire. This announcement, part of Starmer’s broader vision for establishing a sustainable peace in the Middle East, followed an emergency cabinet meeting convened to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Aligning with a parallel commitment from France, the United Kingdom would become one of the first G7 countries to take such a step, provided Israel does not meet the outlined conditions by the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session.
During a nationally broadcast address from Downing Street, Starmer clarified that British recognition of Palestine hinges on Israel ending the ongoing hostilities in Gaza, reaching an immediate ceasefire, and making credible commitments towards reviving the long-stalled two-state solution. Stressing the urgency of the moment, Starmer emphasized that the move would serve as a decisive contribution to a genuine peace process at a time when hopes for a two-state outcome are fading.
Reacting sharply to the UK’s position, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Starmer of emboldening terrorism and warned that the creation of a Palestinian state under current circumstances would pose direct security threats to both Israel and the UK. Netanyahu maintained that such policies would ultimately fail to achieve peace and security.
Starmer further outlined specific requirements for Hamas, including the immediate release of all Israeli hostages captured in the October 7, 2023, attacks, acceptance of a ceasefire, disarmament, and exclusion from any future governing role in Gaza. These conditions, he argued, are essential prerequisites for Britain’s formal recognition of Palestinian statehood and for the advancement of a lasting peace in the region.
