The United Kingdom has announced it will formally recognise the state of Palestine this September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and recommits to a two-state solution. Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the decision after recalling his cabinet from summer break for an emergency meeting, citing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the “increasingly intolerable” conditions on the ground.
During the meeting, Starmer told ministers that now is the “moment to act” as the possibility of a two-state solution weakens. The cabinet agreed to support a new UK-led eight-point roadmap for peace, which includes key demands for both Israel and Hamas. The move marks a significant shift in the UK’s long-standing position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Starmer emphasized that recognition of Palestine would come ahead of the UN General Assembly in September, unless Israel takes concrete steps. These include ending military operations in Gaza, agreeing to a ceasefire, halting annexation in the West Bank, and re-engaging in peace negotiations. He confirmed that he had discussed the issue with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the announcement.
At the same time, the UK reiterated its stance that Hamas must immediately release hostages, disarm, and play no future role in governing Gaza. Starmer clarified there is “no equivalence” between Hamas and Israel, but both sides must act to prevent further catastrophe. The UK is also collaborating with Jordan to airdrop emergency aid into Gaza.
Public pressure and growing outrage over Israel’s actions played a key role in the timing of the decision. With the Gaza death toll exceeding 60,000 and famine warnings from the UN, Starmer faced mounting calls from within his own cabinet to take a stand. Ministers like Angela Rayner, Yvette Cooper, and Wes Streeting are believed to support immediate recognition of Palestine to push forward a lasting peace.