In a significant announcement, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that the UK is prepared to recognize a Palestinian state in September, provided Israel takes “substantive steps to address the dire situation in Gaza.” The UK’s conditions include an agreement to a ceasefire, a commitment to long-term peace efforts, and permission for the United Nations to resume aid supplies. In the absence of these measures, recognition could occur during September's UN General Assembly.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the UK's potential recognition, accusing it of rewarding what he termed "Hamas's monstrous terrorism." Historically, the UK government has maintained that recognition should coincide with moments that would substantially enhance the peace process efforts. However, political pressures, including demands from many MPs within Starmer's own party, have led to calls for swifter action.
Starmer's comments were made following an emergency cabinet meeting and echoed similar announcements from France, which recently declared its intention to recognize a Palestinian state. He highlighted the “intolerable situation” in Gaza and the diminishing prospects for a viable two-state solution. His prioritization lies in improving conditions in Gaza and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches affected populations.
In detail, the prime minister insisted that Israel's government must clarify its stance against annexations in the West Bank. However, given the current administration's resistance to advancing peace negotiations, this seems unlikely. Simultaneously, Starmer stated that Hamas must release all hostages, agree to a ceasefire, disarm, and refrain from participating in any future governance of Gaza.
Netanyahu's response on social media emphasized the dangers of establishing a "jihadist state" near Israel, warning that it would pose a security threat to Britain too. This sentiment echoed remarks from former US President Donald Trump, who argued that recognizing a Palestinian state could be interpreted as rewarding Hamas.
The broader geopolitical landscape complicates the situation; the US and several European nations have similarly indicated that recognizing Palestinian statehood should align with efforts toward a comprehensive resolution to the ongoing conflict. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey welcomed Starmer's announcement as a crucial step but pressed for immediate recognition and stronger actions against Israeli policies.
Interestingly, over 255 MPs have voiced their support for swift recognition of a Palestinian state, reflecting a growing sentiment among UK lawmakers. Nevertheless, concerns about the conditional nature of this recognition persist, with critics arguing that self-determination for Palestinians should be decoupled from Israeli actions.
While some Conservative voices and Reform UK leaders caution against the timing of such recognition, suggesting it would legitimise Hamas's actions, most countries worldwide have already recognized Palestine, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway, which recently took steps toward this end.
As the international community continues to discuss the situation, Rowanston, the UK's Foreign Secretary, outlined efforts to facilitate aid to Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian support as the region faces severe humanitarian challenges. The announcement's timing coincided with efforts to push for a sustainable two-state solution amid an increasingly complex dynamic in the region.
