Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom formally recognises the state of Palestine, in a move he says is designed to 'keep alive' the possibility of peace and a two-state solution. The announcement, made in a video message to the nation, comes amid growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Starmer emphasised that the recognition is not a reward for Hamas, which he described as a 'brutal terror organisation'. He stated that senior Hamas figures would face further UK sanctions and that the group would have no role in a future reformed Palestinian government. The prime minister also called for the release of all remaining Israeli hostages.
The UK will recognise a Palestinian state based provisionally on the 1967 borders, before Israel occupied the Gaza Strip and West Bank. The move paves the way for full diplomatic relations, with Palestinian head of mission Husam Zomlot expected to be upgraded to ambassadorial status. Zomlot described the decision as 'an irreversible step towards justice, peace and the correction of historic wrongs'.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the announcement as 'absurd' and 'a reward for terrorism'. However, Starmer insisted that the recognition is intended to support a secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state. He also condemned the 'man-made humanitarian crisis' in Gaza, calling the Israeli government's bombardment and the resulting death and destruction 'utterly intolerable'.
Canada and Australia also made formal declarations recognising Palestine on Sunday. More than 150 countries are expected to have recognised Palestine by the end of next week. The United States has rejected the UK move, while France has led the western response in support of recognition.
