UK to recognize Palestine by September if Israel fails to halt Gaza war and commit to peace.
PM Starmer says move will support two-state solution amid mounting global and domestic pressure.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared that the United Kingdom will formally recognize the State of Palestine by September 2025 unless Israel takes concrete steps to end its military campaign in Gaza and commits to a sustainable peace process.
The announcement followed an emergency cabinet meeting in London and signals a significant policy shift in the UK stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Starmer emphasized that recognition would serve as “a contribution to a proper peace process” and that the UK would take the step at “the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution.”
He warned that if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire and show a clear commitment to peace, the UK will endorse Palestinian statehood during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September.
The decision comes amid rising public outcry over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies have intensified. “The British public is revolted by the images coming from Gaza,” Starmer said, describing the situation as appalling.
In a swift response, Israel’s foreign ministry condemned the move, calling it a “reward for Hamas” and claiming it would complicate ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages.
The UK announcement follows similar declarations from France, which plans to become the first G7 nation to recognize Palestinian statehood in September. French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné welcomed Britain’s position, stating that the UK had “joined the momentum created by France.”
Within the UK, pressure has been mounting on Starmer from both his Labour Party and allied political figures. Scottish First Minister John Swinney voiced support for recognition but stressed that it should be unconditional. He also advocated for sanctions against Israel if the violence continues.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy reinforced the prime minister’s message at the United Nations, urging Israel to halt its military offensive in Gaza. “There is no contradiction between supporting Israel’s security and supporting Palestinian statehood,” Lammy said, warning that the two-state solution is rapidly slipping away.
While countries such as Spain, Ireland, and Norway recognized Palestinian statehood in 2024, most European nations have not yet followed suit. The UK potential move adds considerable weight to the growing international support for Palestinian recognition and could reshape future peace negotiations in the Middle East.
The coming months will be critical, as global attention turns toward both the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the broader quest for a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
