UK Signals Potential Recognition of Palestine at Upcoming UN Session

LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Tuesday that the UK is prepared to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September unless Israel takes concrete steps to improve the situation for Palestinians. This potential move would follow France, which last week became the first Western power on the UN Security Council to recognize Palestine amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Starmer outlined key conditions for the UK’s recognition: allowing increased humanitarian aid into Gaza, a clear commitment from Israel to halt annexation of the West Bank, and renewed efforts toward a long-term peace process based on a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully.

“The Palestinian people have endured terrible suffering,” Starmer said. “In Gaza, starvation and devastation threaten innocent lives, and this suffering must end.”

The British government will evaluate progress on these demands in September, with no single party having veto power over the decision. The announcement came after Starmer recalled his cabinet from summer recess to discuss a new peace plan being developed with European leaders and strategies to enhance humanitarian aid access for Gaza’s 2.2 million residents.

Historically, UK governments have expressed support for a Palestinian state but avoided setting clear timelines or conditions. Pressure has increased within Starmer’s Labour Party and across international aid organizations as Gaza faces severe shortages of food and medicine.

Starmer’s stance marks a shift from his earlier position as opposition leader in 2023, when he fully supported Israel’s right to defend itself following the Hamas attack in October 2023. Since becoming Prime Minister, Starmer’s government has taken a tougher approach toward Israel, including suspending some weapons sales, dropping legal challenges against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the International Criminal Court, and sanctioning far-right Israeli ministers accused of inciting violence.

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France’s recent recognition of Palestine drew sharp criticism from Israel and the United States, who condemned the move as rewarding Hamas militants. Starmer’s announcement signals growing Western concern over the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel to change course. The upcoming UN General Assembly session in September will be a critical moment for the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.