UK Recognise Palestinian State by September, Warns Starmer Amid Gaza Crisis
In a major shift in British foreign policy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK will recognise the Palestinian state by September. This will happen unless Israel does its best to halt the war in Gaza and start a peace process that will last. Starmer said this during an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The conference was mostly about the rising humanitarian crisis and the need for the world to act quickly.
Preconditions for UK Recognition of Palestine
The UK’s decision depends on three conditions. Israel must agree to a complete ceasefire in Gaza, stop plans to annex more of the occupied West Bank, and support a two-state solution. A government statement added that the recognition could be formalised during the UN General Assembly in September if these conditions remain unmet.
Starmer emphasized that there is no moral equivalence between Israel and Hamas. He stressed that Hamas must release all hostages, agree to a ceasefire, disarm, and step away from governing Gaza.
UK’s Recognition Plan Draws Global Attention
Israel strongly disagreed with the UK’s stance, calling it a “reward for Hamas.” Officials in Israel said this could make it less likely that a new truce will happen. In March, the latest cease-fire fell apart.
Starmer talked to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before making the announcement public. But no information about what they talked about has been made public.
Palestinian Leaders Support UK Recognise Palestinian State Move
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the UK’s decision. In a phone call with Starmer, he urged immediate official recognition of Palestine.
Palestinian Ambassador to the UK, Husam Zomlot, also praised the announcement. He called it historically significant, pointing to the Balfour Declaration and the decades of denied rights that followed. He added that recognition must align with justice and international law.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Worsens
Things in Gaza keep getting worse as leaders discuss. Reports say that Israeli attacks have killed more than 60,000 Palestinians since October 2023. Many more people, including those looking for help, killed in recent attacks. Reports from the area say that Israel employed drones and robots with hidden bombs in a fatal attack overnight.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has said that Gaza is at risk of famine. Gaza City is running out of food because of widespread displacement, obstructed supplies, and the failure of basic services.
