UK may recognise Palestinian State in September: PM Keir Starmer

New Delhi, Jul 29: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK will move to formally recognise a Palestinian state in September ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, unless Israel takes specific steps to end the conflict in Gaza and commit to a two-state solution, reports BBC and international media.

Following an emergency cabinet meeting, a government handout quoted Starmer as saying the recognition would go ahead unless Israel shows “substantive” progress, including implementing a ceasefire, ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, halting any plans for annexation in the West Bank, and committing to a long-term peace process. Starmer reiterated that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas, and laid out the UK’s conditions for the militant group: release all hostages, agree to a ceasefire, renounce governance of Gaza, and disarm, reports BBC.

He stressed that no single party would be given a veto over Britain’s decision and that the government would assess whether the parties had met these conditions before finalising its position.

Speaking at a news conference, Starmer said the UK’s long-standing goal remains “a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.” He noted that this objective is now “under pressure like never before.” While over 130 countries have already recognised a Palestinian state, Britain’s move would mark a major shift among Western powers. France has also indicated it may follow suit during the same UN meeting in September. Starmer concluded by stating that the UK’s recognition would be “a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact,” reports BBC