UK Threatens To Recognize Palestinian State By September If Israel Doesn’t Agree To Ceasefire

 

The United Kingdom has announced it will formally recognize the State of Palestine in September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza and makes substantive commitments toward a two-state solution.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “I have always said that we will recognize a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution.”

He continued, “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.”

The announcement comes amid mounting public pressure over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Just a day prior, Starmer remarked that the British public is “revolted” by images of widespread hunger in the region.

Backlash from Israel and the United States

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the UK’s stance, calling it a reward for terrorism. “A jihadist state on Israel’s border today will threaten Britain tomorrow,” Netanyahu warned. “Appeasement toward jihadist terrorists always fails. It will fail you too. It will not happen.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry also criticized the move, arguing it would hinder ceasefire negotiations and the release of hostages still held by Hamas.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump echoed these sentiments, describing the UK’s decision as “rewarding Hamas.” While acknowledging similarities between the UK and French approaches, Trump clarified that the U.S. has no plans to follow suit.

Conditions and International Reactions

During his remarks, Starmer reiterated that Hamas must release all hostages, disarm, agree to a ceasefire, and accept exclusion from any future governance in Gaza. “We will make an assessment in September on how far the parties have met these steps, but no one should have a veto over our decision,” he said.

The move has attracted both support and criticism internationally. France welcomed the announcement, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot saying the UK was now “joining the momentum” created by France’s own pledge to recognize a Palestinian state in September. France would be the first G7 country to do so.

Support also came from Saudi Arabia, the Palestinian Authority, and Jordan. Palestinian Authority Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh called the UK’s position a “commitment to international law and legitimacy,” while Jordan’s foreign ministry labeled it “a step in the right direction.”

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney expressed cautious approval but emphasized that Palestinian statehood should not be made conditional. He called for sanctions against Israel if hostilities persist.

A Dire Humanitarian Crisis

Starmer cited the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza as a driving force behind the decision. A UN-backed food security agency recently reported that famine conditions are unfolding in the territory, with more than 20,000 children admitted for treatment for acute malnutrition between April and mid-July.

“This decision is aimed at changing the conditions on the ground—ensuring aid delivery and reviving hope for a two-state solution,” Starmer said.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed the Prime Minister’s stance during remarks at the United Nations, calling on Israel to end the military campaign and warning that the two-state solution is in jeopardy. “There is no contradiction between support for Israel’s security and support for Palestinian statehood,” he asserted.

While countries such as Spain, Ireland, and Norway have already recognized Palestine, most European powers remain hesitant. The UK’s potential move in September could mark a significant shift in international pressure aimed at achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict.