British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK may officially recognise a Palestinian state in September during the United Nations General Assembly, if Israel does not take serious steps to improve conditions for Palestinians.
This move would make Britain the second Western country on the UN Security Council, after France, to consider recognising Palestine. The decision reflects growing international concern over Israel’s actions in Gaza, where over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed and a severe humanitarian crisis is ongoing.
Starmer said the recognition would go forward unless Israel allows more humanitarian aid into Gaza, promises not to annex the West Bank, and commits to a long-term peace plan that supports a two-state solution.
“The Palestinian people have endured terrible suffering,” Starmer told reporters. “In Gaza, we now see starving babies and children too weak to stand. These images will stay with us forever. The suffering must stop.”
He confirmed that a final decision would be made in September after reviewing the actions taken by both sides. He added that no one, including Israel, would have a veto over Britain’s decision.
Starmer’s announcement came after he called an emergency cabinet meeting during the summer break to discuss a new European-led peace plan and ways to send more aid to Gaza’s population of 2.2 million people.
Previous UK governments have said they support Palestinian statehood but have never given a timeline or clear conditions. However, pressure is growing within the Labour Party for the UK to take action, especially as aid agencies warn of famine in Gaza.
The issue gained more attention after French President Emmanuel Macron recently declared France would recognise Palestine within the 1967 borders. This decision was strongly criticised by Israel and the United States, who said it rewards Hamas for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that started the current conflict.
Although Starmer originally supported Israel’s right to defend itself during the early stages of the war, his stance has shifted since becoming prime minister. His government has since suspended some arms sales to Israel, dropped legal challenges over international arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, and even sanctioned two far-right Israeli ministers for encouraging violence against Palestinians.
Now, all eyes are on the UK’s final decision in September, as the push for a two-state solution gains momentum once again.
