The United Kingdom will recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September if Israel fails to meet key conditions. Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement during an emergency virtual cabinet meeting on Monday, local time, according to the BBC.
Starmer stated that Israel must take significant steps to end the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. He outlined several conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire, committing to a sustainable long-term peace based on a two-state solution, and allowing the United Nations to resume humanitarian aid deliveries. Should Israel fail to meet these conditions, the UK will proceed with recognition of Palestine at the UN in September.
During the meeting, Starmer also revealed that he has been working with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on a joint peace initiative.
“The humanitarian crisis has reached such a level that inaction is no longer an option,” said Starmer. “The world is witnessing the suffering of children. The UN must be allowed to deliver aid again. We must resume relief operations. The heartbreaking images of malnourished and starving children cannot continue.”
However, the proposal has sparked intense debate within the government. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood, and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband have voiced strong support for recognition.
Conversely, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Technology Minister Peter Kyle, and several ministers closely aligned with Labour Friends of Israel have expressed serious concerns. They argue that recognition at this time could be interpreted as “rewarding Hamas.”
Starmer’s stance is backed by Macron and Merz, with the decision reportedly finalized in close coordination with Paris and Berlin.
Several countries — including Norway, Ireland, Spain, and France — have already recognized Palestine. France was the first among the G7 nations to do so.
“The images of emaciated children in Gaza, children unable to walk, are shaking our collective conscience,” Starmer said. “This crisis is unfolding before our eyes and will be recorded in history.”
He noted that the UK has already begun air-dropping humanitarian aid into Gaza and is now working to establish land routes for further assistance.
“We have long said that we believe in a two-state solution,” he added. “But the reality now is that the viability of that solution is in question. Without recognition, there may soon be no Palestinian state left to recognize.”
“This is no longer just Labour Party policy — it is a moral and urgent necessity,” Starmer declared. “What we are witnessing daily in Gaza is a failure of the international community. The UK can no longer remain silent.”