UK will recognise Palestinian state in September unless Israel ends ‘appalling situation’ in Gaza, Starmer vows
UK to recognise Palestine as a state unless Israel agrees to ceasefire
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his senior ministers have agreed to recognise a Palestinian state by September, unless Israel ends its starvation tactics in Gaza.
- The ultimatum, laid out in an emergency virtual cabinet meeting, demands Israel agree to a ceasefire, commit to no annexation in the West Bank, and pursue a long-term two-state solution.
- The decision is a compromise to reconcile differing views within Sir Keir’s cabinet, with some members supporting Palestinian recognition and others concerned it would “reward Hamas”.
- The plan was agreed over the weekend with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- The move comes amid mounting pressure on Sir Keir to recognise Palestine, including calls from over 250 MPs from various parties.