On Tuesday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared that the UK plans to officially recognize the State of Palestine in September unless Israel implements several "substantive steps," such as consenting to a ceasefire in Gaza.
This significant move, which is central to Starmer's strategy for achieving "lasting peace," followed the British leader's decision to recall his cabinet from recess for urgent discussions on the deteriorating situation in the besieged region.
With Paris announcing its recognition of a Palestinian state in September, Starmer's action would position the two European allies as the first G7 nations to take this step.
In a televised Downing Street address following the cabinet meeting, Starmer announced that if Israel has not met the required demands by the time of the UN General Assembly in September, the UK will officially recognize a Palestinian state.
He added that it must "resolve the dire situation in Gaza, establish a ceasefire, and commit to long-term sustainable peace to revive the prospect of a two-state solution."
"I have consistently stated that we will acknowledge a Palestinian state as part of advancing the peace process at the time when it would most significantly benefit the two-state solution," Starmer remarked.
The UK leader also outlined various demands directed at the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is holding Israeli hostages captured during its attacks on October 7, 2023.
"They need to promptly release all hostages, agree to a ceasefire, disarm, and acknowledge that they will not participate in the governance of Gaza," he stated.
"Touch of the past"
Israel quickly stated that it "rejects" the UK's decision, asserting that it "serves as a reward for Hamas and undermines efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza."
A Downing Street spokeswoman reported that Starmer spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to the announcement, expressing that "the situation in Gaza was intolerable."
In the call summary, she mentioned that he pressed the prime minister to promptly remove any restrictions on aid access.
Starmer also spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who "welcomed" the recognition announcement, according to a statement from the spokeswoman.
This action by the UK comes after French President Emmanuel Macron announced last week, during the UN General Assembly meeting on September 23, that Paris would recognize a Palestinian state.
While over 140 countries already recognize the State of Palestine, none hold as much influence as Britain and France. These two nations are nuclear-armed allies of Israel and possess permanent seats on the UN Security Council.
On Tuesday, France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed approval for London joining the "momentum initiated by France" to "halt the continuous cycle of violence."
Macron's announcement prompted a strong criticism from both Israel and the United States, which is also a member of the G7.
On Tuesday, Starmer stated that his government "will evaluate in September the extent to which the parties have fulfilled" the demands.
However, he firmly stated, "No one should have the power to veto our decision."
David Lammy, Britain's Foreign Secretary, attended a UN conference in New York organized by France and Saudi Arabia to advocate for the two-state solution. During the event, he expressed similar views.
Lammy stated that London planned to recognize Palestinian statehood "with the hand of history on our shoulders," acknowledging Britain's crucial role in Israel's creation due to the 1917 Balfour Declaration.
"Suffering"
Starmer has faced increasing pressure both domestically and internationally to officially recognize a Palestinian state.
During his state visit to the UK this month, Macron openly advocated for joint recognition of Palestine. Meanwhile, a growing number of MPs within Starmer's ruling Labour party have been calling for action on this issue.
Last Friday, over 220 British lawmakers from nine parties, including Labour, published a letter urging him to take action.
It was part of Labour's manifesto from last year's election victory, advocating for "a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state."
However, the pressure has intensified as the humanitarian situation in Gaza has significantly deteriorated.
In his televised address, Starmer stated that "The Palestinian people have endured terrible suffering," emphasizing it "must end."
His office announced that on Tuesday, the UK had delivered its initial aid to Gaza by air, which included "lifesaving supplies," with assistance from Jordan.
The British leader expressed gratitude to King Abdullah II during a phone call.
Nonetheless, Starmer's spokeswoman stated that they concurred this could not replace truck deliveries by land, which are the sole means to provide the necessary volume of food and other urgent aid.
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