LONDON, England — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will recognise a Palestinian state this September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitates United Nations humanitarian access, and takes verifiable steps toward long-term peace.
Starmer’s declaration, delivered Tuesday, July 29, 2025, following a rare summertime Cabinet meeting, marks a historic shift in U.K. foreign policy and signals mounting European pressure on Israel over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“Statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people,” Starmer said in a televised statement.
“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… we will proceed to recognise Palestine at the United Nations.”
The British Prime Minister’s ultimatum includes restarting UN aid delivery, halting West Bank annexations, and Israel’s clear recommitment to the two-state solution, a framework Israel’s current leadership, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has consistently rejected.
The Israeli foreign ministry swiftly rejected the announcement, calling it a “reward for Hamas” and accusing the U.K. of undermining efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
“The shift in the British government’s position… constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire,” Israel’s foreign ministry said on X.
Starmer’s announcement follows growing domestic pressure, with more than 250 of 650 MPs signing a letter urging immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Footage of starvation and destruction in Gaza has spurred public outrage across Britain.
The move also aligns Britain with an emerging European consensus, coming days after French President Emmanuel Macron pledged that France would formally recognise Palestine by September — making it the first G7 nation to do so.
“The United Kingdom is joining the momentum created by France,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot posted on X.
At least 140 countries already recognise Palestine as a state, including several European nations such as Ireland, Spain, and Norway, reflecting a global shift in attitude since Israel’s military campaign in Gaza intensified in late 2023.
Britain’s position carries additional weight given its colonial legacy in the Middle East, particularly the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which laid the foundation for the establishment of Israel.
“The Balfour Declaration came with the solemn promise that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of the Palestinian people,” said Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaking at the United Nations in New York.
“This has not been upheld, and it is a historical injustice which continues to unfold.”
The Palestinian Authority welcomed the move.
Omar Awadallah, assistant to the Palestinian foreign minister, said Britain has a “moral and historical responsibility” to act, calling Starmer’s announcement a possible “correction of a historic injustice.”
Notably, Starmer made the announcement shortly after a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Scotland on Monday, July 28, 2025.
While initial reports suggested the two discussed the crisis, Trump later denied discussing Palestinian statehood.
“We have no view on that,” Trump told reporters aboard his flight back to the U.S. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Despite Starmer’s conditions, most analysts view Israel’s compliance as highly unlikely.
Netanyahu’s government remains opposed to a two-state solution on both nationalist and security grounds.
Meanwhile, Starmer reiterated that Hamas must release all hostages, disarm, and have no role in governing Gaza as part of any peace framework.
