The UK will officially recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes decisive action to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced. The ultimatum, unveiled after an emergency cabinet meeting, marks a significant policy shift amid growing pressure from MPs and global partners.
Starmer outlined key conditions for Israel to meet: an immediate ceasefire, commitment to a long-term two-state solution, no further annexations in the West Bank, and renewed UN access to deliver humanitarian aid. If unmet, the UK will support Palestinian recognition at the UN General Assembly in September.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticised the announcement, calling it a reward for “Hamas’s monstrous terrorism.” He warned that recognising a Palestinian state now could embolden jihadist forces and threaten global security.
The Labour-led government, however, argues the move is necessary to preserve the two-state solution, which Starmer said is “under pressure like never before.” He stressed that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is “intolerable,” with UN agencies warning of “man-made mass starvation.”
The UK joins France, which announced similar plans last week, making them the first G7 nations to back Palestinian recognition in the absence of a peace deal. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaking at a UN conference in New York, reiterated the UK’s commitment to a two-state solution and highlighted recent efforts, including joint UK-Jordan air drops of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The move has received mixed reactions domestically. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey welcomed it but urged immediate recognition and a tougher stance on Israel, including halting arms sales. Over 250 MPs, including half of Labour’s caucus, have called for unconditional recognition of Palestine.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the timing, accusing Starmer of “political posturing” that will not bring peace or help hostages held by Hamas. Meanwhile, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz distanced his government from immediate recognition, calling it premature.
With more than 139 countries already recognising Palestine, the UK’s decision could shift the diplomatic landscape, increasing pressure on Israel and advancing stalled peace efforts or further polarising international debate.
