British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will formally recognise the state of Palestine by September, unless Israel takes “substantive steps” to end the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and meet a set of peace conditions. The announcement was made during an emergency cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, according to an official government statement.
“He said that the UK will recognise the state of Palestine in September, before UNGA [United Nations General Assembly], unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, reaches a ceasefire, makes clear there will be no annexation in the West Bank, and commits to a long-term peace process that delivers a Two State Solution,” the statement read.
The decision marks a significant shift in British foreign policy, as successive UK governments have historically maintained that formal recognition of a Palestinian state would occur only when “the time is right,” without setting a timetable or outlining clear preconditions.
Starmer also reiterated the UK’s position that “there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas,” emphasising that Hamas must release all hostages, agree to a ceasefire, accept that it will play no role in Gaza’s future governance, and disarm entirely.
The prime minister convened his cabinet during the summer recess to discuss a new peace plan being developed in coordination with other European leaders. The talks also focused on expanding humanitarian assistance to Gaza, where conditions have deteriorated rapidly under ongoing Israeli military operations.
With alarming reports of starvation emerging from the enclave, pressure has mounted on Starmer from within his own Labour Party. A growing number of lawmakers have urged immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood as a means to increase diplomatic pressure on Israel and push for a ceasefire.
The UK’s proposed timeline aligns with the opening of the UN General Assembly in September, a moment seen by some as a critical juncture for reshaping international engagement with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Melissa Enoch
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