UK to Recognize Palestinian State in September: PM Starmer

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

LONDON — In a significant policy shift, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that the United Kingdom will formally recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes concrete steps to end hostilities in Gaza and recommits to a peace process aimed at a two-state solution.

The ultimatum, revealed during a cabinet meeting recalled from summer recess, reflects the growing international impatience with the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. According to an official UK government statement, Starmer demanded that Israel implement a ceasefire, halt any annexation plans in the West Bank, and engage in peace talks that lead to a long-term resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The announcement follows France’s declaration that it will recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly in September, a move that has increased pressure on Western allies to take similar steps. Sources close to President Emmanuel Macron have reportedly urged Starmer to align UK policy with that of France.

Growing pressure from within Starmer’s Labour Party—including senior MPs—has further fueled momentum behind the move, with many viewing state recognition as a necessary diplomatic tool to pressure Israel into ending the humanitarian suffering in Gaza.

“There is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas,” Starmer told ministers, emphasizing that Hamas must release all hostages, agree to a ceasefire, renounce governance of Gaza, and fully disarm.

Despite the strong stance, Starmer left the door open for diplomatic reversal. He stated that Israel could avert recognition of Palestinian statehood if it urgently meets the following conditions:

• Agrees to a full ceasefire in Gaza.
• Publicly renounces intentions to annex parts of the West Bank.
• Commits to negotiated peace talks resulting in a two-state solution.

This would make the UK the closest ally of Israel to support Palestinian statehood, signaling a potential turning point in Middle Eastern diplomacy and potentially encouraging other Western nations to follow suit.

In anticipation of the evolving crisis, Starmer has recalled his cabinet from vacation to discuss a comprehensive peace framework in collaboration with other European leaders. The UK is also working on scaling up humanitarian assistance to Gaza, where concerns over famine and infrastructure collapse continue to escalate.

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