UK signals willingness to recognise Palestine as a State

London: British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated that the UK may formally recognise Palestine as a state if the situation in Gaza does not improve.

Following an emergency cabinet meeting, Starmer told reporters: “If Israel fails to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza, avoids progress on a two-state solution, and continues its occupation of the West Bank, the UK will move toward recognising Palestinian statehood—potentially before the UN General Assembly in September.”

The Prime Minister emphasised that there is no moral equivalence between Israel and Hamas, but reiterated the UK’s demand that Hamas release all hostages and refrain from any political role in Gaza.

Starmer acknowledged the immense suffering of the Palestinian people, especially children facing starvation in Gaza, calling the scenes “deeply haunting and unforgettable.”

He added that Britain will reassess the situation in September, and if meaningful change is not seen, the UK will take a “historic step” in recognising Palestine as an independent state.