In a potentially landmark shift in foreign policy, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Tuesday (July 29, 2025) that Britain will formally recognize the State of Palestine by September, provided Israel undertakes various “substantive steps,” including agreeing to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This significant declaration, central to Starmer’s broader vision for "lasting peace," followed an urgent cabinet meeting, where ministers were recalled from recess to address the escalating crisis in the besieged territory.
Starmer’s initiative, coming shortly after Paris also indicated its intent to recognize a Palestinian state in September, would position these two key European allies as the first G7 nations to take such a step.
In a televised address from Downing Street directly after the cabinet discussions, Starmer outlined the conditions for the UK’s recognition. He stated that Britain would formally acknowledge a Palestinian state if Israel has not fulfilled the stipulated demands by the time the United Nations General Assembly convenes in September. These demands include an end to "the appalling situation in Gaza," an agreement to a comprehensive ceasefire, and a firm commitment to a long-term, sustainable peace, thereby "reviving the prospect" of a viable two-state solution.
"I’ve always said 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 affirmed, emphasizing the urgency. "With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act."
The UK leader also detailed specific demands for the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which continues to hold Israeli hostages seized during its October 7, 2023, attacks. "They must immediately release all of the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza," he asserted.
‘Hand of History’ and International Reactions
Predictably, Israel swiftly "rejected" the UK’s proposed move, arguing that it "constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza."
Prior to his announcement, Starmer engaged in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which he conveyed that "the situation in Gaza was intolerable," according to a Downing Street spokeswoman. The spokesperson added that Starmer "urged the prime minister to take immediate action to lift all restrictions on aid access." Concurrently, Starmer also spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who reportedly "welcomed" the prospect of recognition.
The UK's announcement aligns with French President Emmanuel Macron’s declaration last week that Paris would similarly recognize a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly meeting on September 23. While over 140 countries already recognize the State of Palestine, the potential recognition by Britain and France carries immense diplomatic weight, given their status as nuclear-armed allies of Israel and permanent members of the UN Security Council. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot welcomed London's decision, citing its contribution to "the momentum created by France" to "stop the endless cycle of violence."
However, Macron’s earlier announcement had already drawn sharp rebukes from both Israel and fellow G7 member, the United States.
Starmer confirmed on Tuesday that his government would "make an assessment in September on how far the parties have met" the stipulated demands. Nevertheless, he firmly insisted: "No one should have a veto over our decision." This sentiment was echoed by Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who, attending a UN conference in New York focused on promoting the two-state solution, stated that London planned to recognize Palestinian statehood "with the hand of history on our shoulders," referencing Britain’s pivotal role in Israel’s creation through the 1917 Balfour Declaration.
‘Suffering’ and Humanitarian Concerns
Starmer has been facing escalating domestic and international pressure to formally recognize a Palestinian state. Macron had publicly urged joint recognition during his UK state visit earlier this month, and an increasing number of MPs within Starmer’s ruling Labour party have been advocating for such action. A letter published last Friday, signed by over 220 British lawmakers from nine parties, including Labour, specifically urged him to take this step—a commitment already outlined in Labour’s election-winning manifesto last year, which called for "a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state."
The pressure has intensified dramatically as the humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened. "The Palestinian people have endured terrible suffering," Starmer declared in his TV address, adding unequivocally that it "must end." His office confirmed that the UK had conducted its first air-drop of aid, including "lifesaving supplies," into Gaza on Tuesday, assisted by Jordan. Starmer conveyed his gratitude to Jordan's King Abdullah II during a phone call, though his spokeswoman emphasized that both leaders agreed air drops "could not be a substitute for truck deliveries by land, which are the only way to deliver the level of food and other aid urgently needed."
