UK sets September deadline to recognise Palestine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the United Kingdom will formally recognise Palestine as a state at the United Nations in September, unless Israel takes “substantive steps” to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The United Kingdom will recognise Palestine as a state at the United Nations in September unless Israel takes clear action to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement after an emergency Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Starmer said the UK’s decision depends on Israel allowing more aid into Gaza, refraining from unilateral moves in the West Bank, and committing to real peace talks based on two states. Over 250 UK MPs have expressed support for the move.

Starmer also called on Hamas to release all hostages and accept it will not play a role in Gaza’s future.

Israel rejected the UK’s plan, calling it a “reward for Hamas” and warning it could undermine prospects for peace.

The United Nations reports that more than 60,000 people have died in Gaza since the conflict escalated, with millions facing hunger and a shortage of basic services.

Starmer said, “We want to see two states living side by side in peace and security”.

An Israeli government spokesperson stated, “Recognising Palestine at this time rewards terror”.

The UK now stands at a crossroads. If Israel moves, the door to negotiation may reopen. If not, Britain is set to redraw its policy map at the United Nations—testing the limits of recognition, diplomacy, and leverage as the crisis deepens.

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