UK Plans to Recognize Palestinian State Unless Israel Steps Up

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a bold announcement on Tuesday, saying the UK will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September unless Israel takes real steps to tackle the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

The decision came after an intense cabinet meeting and follows France’s recent promise to do the same, showing a shift in how Western countries are approaching the conflict. Starmer was clear about what Israel needs to do: let more aid flow into Gaza, promise not to annex the West Bank, and commit to a serious peace process for a two-state solution.

“The situation is simply intolerable,” he said, pointing to images of starving kids that have shocked the world. With over 60,000 Palestinians killed, public anger is at a boiling point. Starmer also demanded that Hamas free hostages, agree to a ceasefire, disarm, and stay out of Gaza’s future leadership.

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This push comes from growing pressure within Starmer’s Labour Party, where over 250 lawmakers are calling for recognition to encourage Israel to pursue peace. With France making a similar move, Israel is facing increasing isolation as the Gaza war, sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, continues to devastate the region. Israel’s foreign ministry hit back, saying the UK’s plan “rewards Hamas” and could derail ceasefire efforts.

Starmer’s stance is a shift from his earlier support for Israel’s self-defense. Recent UK moves, like slapping sanctions on far-right Israeli officials and pausing some arms sales, show a tougher approach. After talks with Starmer in Scotland, U.S. President Donald Trump didn’t object but focused on getting aid to Gaza, where famine warnings are dire.

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A UN report has warned of widespread starvation in Gaza, painting a grim picture. Given Britain’s historical role in the region through the 1917 Balfour Declaration, this decision carries deep meaning. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaking at a UN event, doubled down on the UK’s support for a two-state solution, urging Israel to act to keep that hope alive.