LONDON, July 30 – The UK announced Tuesday that it would recognize Palestine in September unless Israel takes “substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza.”
“I can confirm the UK will recognize the state of Palestine 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, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
French President Emmanuel Macron pledged last week that Paris will recognize Palestine at the UN meeting in September.
Starmer’s remarks came during a news conference after an emergency Cabinet meeting to discuss the situation in Gaza, as more than 250 lawmakers signed a letter that demanded the government recognize Palestinian statehood.
The premier noted that he has always said his country would recognize Palestine “as a contribution to a proper peace process.”
He also expressed that the goal remains a “safe and secure” Israel alongside a “viable and sovereign” Palestinian state.
He cited the two-state solution is “under threat” as the reason he confirmed his government would recognize Palestinian unless Israel meets the conditions, including allowing the UN to restart the supply of aid, “making clear that there will be no annexations in the West Bank,” and Tel Aviv committing to a long-term peace process that delivers a two-state solution.
Starmer stressed that Hamas must immediately release all of the hostages, sign a ceasefire, “disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza.”
Possibility of two-state solution is ‘reducing’
Asked about the timing, Starmer reiterated that the announcement was driven by the “intolerable” situation in Gaza and a concern that the possibility of a two-state solution is “reducing”
In response to why the recognition of the statehood is conditional and how confident he is that a ceasefire can be reached by September, Starmer said the primary aim is to change the situation on the ground, and reiterated that hostages must be released and aid must be able to enter.
“This is intended to further that cause … It’s done now because I’m particularly concerned that the idea of a two-state solution is reducing and feels further away today than it has for many years.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said the move by the UK “constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire.”
The Israeli army has pursued a brutal offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 60,000 Palestinians. The relentless bombardment has devastated the enclave and led to food shortages.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
