UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will formally recognise the Palestinian state on Sunday. Earlier, in July, Starmer had warned that the UK would change its stance unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza and committed to a long-term peace plan supporting a two-state solution.
This marks a major shift in British foreign policy, as previous governments insisted that recognition should occur only as part of a peace process. However, Starmer’s decision comes amid escalating violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
A government source told the BBC that recent events prompted the move. Images showing starvation, violence, and mass displacement shocked UK leaders. The source described the situation as “intolerable,” echoing Starmer’s earlier statements.
Furthermore, Israel’s latest ground offensive in Gaza forced hundreds of thousands to flee. A UN official called the operation “cataclysmic.”
West Bank Settlements Influence Decision
UK ministers cited the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, illegal under international law, as a key factor. Justice Secretary David Lammy said, “The recognition of a Palestinian state is as a consequence of the serious expansion that we’re seeing in the West Bank, the settler violence that we’re seeing, and the intention and indications to build, for example, the E1 development that would run a coach and horses through the possibility of a two-state solution.”
Reactions from Israel and UK Conservatives
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the move, calling it a reward for terrorism. Families of hostages still held in Gaza also expressed concern.
Additionally, some UK Conservatives opposed the decision. Party leader Kemi Badenoch wrote in The Telegraph, “It is obvious, and the US has been clear on this, that recognition of a Palestinian state at this time and without the release of the hostages would be a reward for terrorism.”
Palestinian Support
On the other hand, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the announcement during his visit to London. Downing Street sources said both leaders agreed Hamas would have no role in future governance of Palestine.
Starmer had set the UN General Assembly meeting as a deadline for Israel to take “substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace.” He told reporters in July, “I’ve always said we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution. With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act.”
International Context
Meanwhile, several countries have recognised Palestine in recent months. Portugal, France, Canada, and Australia acted after the war began, while Spain, Ireland, and Norway recognised Palestine last year.