On Tuesday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom will officially recognise the State of Palestine in September, unless the Israeli government takes significant measures to improve conditions in Gaza.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement comes after urgent cabinet consultations prompted by the escalating crisis in the region.
Starmer outlined the conditions Israel must meet to avoid this landmark recognition, including ending the “appalling situation in Gaza,” agreeing to a ceasefire, clearly rejecting any annexation plans in the West Bank, and committing to a long-term peace process that advances a two-state solution.
BREAKING: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced the UK will recognise Palestine as a state by the United Nations meeting in September, unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire.
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— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 29, 2025“I have always said that we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution,” Starmer stated during a Downing Street address. “With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act.”
Read: Israeli Rights Groups Accuse Israel of Genocide in Gaza
French President Emmanuel Macron recently announced his intention to recognise Palestine formally during the UN General Assembly in September, making the UK and France potentially the first G7 nations to take such a step. Macron’s announcement drew strong criticism from Israel and the United States.
Starmer reiterated that the UK will proceed with recognition at the upcoming UN General Assembly unless Israel demonstrates progress by implementing the critical measures outlined.
