The UK will recognise a Palestinian state by the United Nations General Assembly in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps
The United Kingdom and France have announced plans to formally recognise the State of Palestine during September’s United Nations General Assembly, marking a pivotal shift in Western diplomacy amid escalating conflict in Gaza. France pledged recognition first, calling it “a necessary step” toward peace, while the UK conditioned recognition on key actions by Israel.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “the UK will recognise a Palestinian state 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.”
France, the first G7 power to move, is now joined by Canada and Malta, who also intend to recognise Palestinian statehood at the same gathering.
Israeli officials sharply criticised the shift. Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Britain’s move a “reward for Hamas’s monstrous terrorism & punishes its victims,” while critics argue the recognition may be symbolic unless paired with meaningful diplomatic pressure.