UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Tuesday that Britain will officially recognise the State of Palestine in September. However, this move will depend on whether Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza and improves humanitarian access there.

Starmer made this statement while addressing the worsening crisis in Gaza. He said, “The UK will recognise the state of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire, and commit to a long-term sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution, and this includes allowing the UN to restart the supply of aid and making clear that there will be no annexations in the West Bank.”

Gaza’s Crisis Gets Worse

Starmer spoke emotionally about the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza. “The suffering must end,” he said, adding that babies were starving due to a “catastrophic failure of aid.”

He also revealed that British aid had been dropped over Gaza on Tuesday. “We are supporting the US, Egyptian, and Qatari efforts to secure a vital ceasefire,” he added.

Starmer Talks With Trump — But Confusion Follows

On Monday, Starmer said he discussed Gaza with former US President Donald Trump. However, Trump denied that they talked about the UK’s plans to recognise Palestine. The Associated Press reported that Trump said this while leaving for the US.

Starmer Calls on Hamas to Release Hostages

The UK Prime Minister also called on Hamas to make serious moves toward peace. "They must immediately release all of the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza," he said.

Israel Strongly Rejects UK’s Stand

Israel quickly responded to Starmer’s announcement. Its government rejected the idea of Britain recognising Palestine, calling it harmful.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a post on X, “Israel rejects the statement by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The shift in the British government’s position at this time, following the French move and internal political pressures, constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of hostages.”

France Also Backs Palestine Recognition

France has already taken a similar step. Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that his country would also recognise Palestine during the UN General Assembly in September.

Macron said, "True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine. I will make a formal announcement at the United Nations General Assembly in September."

He posted the message on both X and Instagram.