British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will recognise the state of Palestine in September, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, but only under specific conditions.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Starmer said, “The suffering must end,” condemning starvation in Gaza and blaming Israel for blocking aid—an accusation Israel denies.
He stressed, “Our goal remains a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state,” noting that the two-state solution is “under pressure like never before.”
Starmer declared, “We will recognise a Palestinian state… at the moment of maximum impact.” But he warned this recognition depends on Israel agreeing to a ceasefire, allowing UN aid into Gaza, and halting annexations in the West Bank.
He added, “Hamas must immediately release all hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm, and accept they will play no part in the government of Gaza.”
Israel’s foreign ministry rejected the UK’s stance, calling it a “reward for Hamas.”