Faith Nyasuguta
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (pictured) has announced that the United Kingdom will formally recognise the State of Palestine in September– unless Israel takes immediate and significant steps to end the ongoing war in Gaza. The recognition is set to be declared at the United Nations General Assembly if Israel fails to implement a ceasefire and commit to long-term peace efforts.
Speaking after a special Cabinet meeting on July 29, 2025, Starmer said the UK could no longer ignore the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. He stated, “I have always said that we will recognize a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution.” He emphasised that continued inaction by Israel would leave the UK with no choice but to act.
Starmer outlined clear conditions that must be met if the UK is to delay recognition. These include an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid – currently estimated at a required 500 trucks per day – and a halt to annexation activities in the West Bank. In addition, Israel must recommit to a genuine two-state solution, one that ensures lasting peace and justice for both Israelis and Palestinians.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid growing domestic and international pressure. Within the Labour Party, many members have demanded a tougher stance against the Israeli offensive, which has so far killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, displaced millions, and caused what aid agencies are calling a famine among children. Starmer said the British public has been “revolted” by the images of widespread starvation and destruction in Gaza.
International momentum is also building. France recently pledged to recognise Palestine in September, becoming the first G7 country to commit to such a move. The UK’s potential recognition would send a strong signal to other Western allies and could trigger a broader diplomatic shift.
Starmer also met with U.S President Donald Trump in Scotland a day before the Cabinet meeting. While Trump stopped short of criticising Starmer’s position, he cautioned against any action that might embolden Hamas. Starmer, in turn, stressed that Hamas must release all hostages, disarm, and renounce its control over Gaza as part of any viable peace deal.
Israel’s government swiftly condemned the UK’s announcement, labelling it a “reward for terrorism” that could derail ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Despite the backlash, Foreign Secretary David Lammy defended the decision, highlighting the UK’s historical role in the region, dating back to the Balfour Declaration of 1917. Lammy stated that the UK has a “special responsibility” to help deliver peace.
With the UN General Assembly approaching, all eyes are now on Israel. Starmer made it clear that unless “tangible progress” is seen by the end of August, the UK will move forward with recognition of Palestinian statehood in September – regardless of Israel’s response. The move, if carried out, would mark a significant shift in Britain’s Middle East policy and could pave the way for other countries to follow suit.
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