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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Tuesday that the United Kingdom will formally recognize the State of Palestine in September unless Israel takes “substantive steps” in Gaza, including agreeing to a ceasefire.
The potentially landmark move, part of what Starmer described as a broader plan for “lasting peace,” follows his decision to recall the cabinet from summer recess for urgent talks on the deteriorating situation in the besieged enclave.
According to a statement from his office, Starmer told ministers that recognition would proceed unless the Israeli government ends “the appalling situation in Gaza,” reaches a ceasefire, commits to no annexation of the West Bank, and engages in a long-term peace process aimed at delivering a two-state solution.
“I have always said that 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,” Starmer said in a televised address. “With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act.”
The UK would become the first G7 country to formally recognize Palestine, alongside France. French President Emmanuel Macron said last week that France will do so during the UN General Assembly in September, prompting strong rebukes from both Israel and the United States.
Starmer reportedly outlined his plan to U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting in Scotland on Monday. Trump appeared supportive, stating during a wide-ranging press conference: “I don't mind him [Starmer] taking a position.”
Starmer also laid out clear conditions for Hamas, the Palestinian militant group holding Israeli hostages seized during the October 7, 2023, attacks.
“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. “No one should have a veto over our decision.”
Starmer faces growing calls at home and abroad to move ahead with recognition. Macron pushed for a joint UK-France stance during his state visit to Britain earlier this month, while more than 220 British MPs from nine parties—including many in Starmer’s Labour Party—signed a letter last week urging the government to act.
Recognition of a Palestinian state was also part of Labour’s election-winning manifesto, which advocated “a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.”
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The UK has also begun air-dropping humanitarian supplies into Gaza. Starmer’s office confirmed the first British aid drops began Tuesday, delivering approximately £500,000 worth of lifesaving goods.
“The Palestinian people have endured terrible suffering now in Gaza because of a catastrophic failure of aid. We see starving babies, children too weak to stand,” Starmer said. “The suffering must end.”
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