Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that the United Kingdom has formally recognised Palestine as an independent state, describing the move as essential to revive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution. The announcement, timed ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York, aims to ease domestic political tensions and counter criticism over the government's response to the Gaza crisis.
In a video message, Starmer stated: 'The hope of a two-state solution is fading but we cannot let that light go out. Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly, as prime minister of this great country, that the UK formally recognises the state of Palestine.' He emphasised that recognition is not a reward for Hamas, which he called a 'brutal terror organisation', and confirmed that further sanctions against Hamas figures would follow.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision as 'absurd' and 'a reward for terrorism'. However, Starmer insisted the move is the opposite, as it precludes Hamas from any future role in Palestinian government. The UK will recognise a Palestinian state based provisionally on 1967 borders, before Israel occupied the Gaza Strip and West Bank, and will pave the way for full diplomatic relations, upgrading the Palestinian head of mission to ambassadorial status.
Palestinian envoy Husam Zomlot welcomed the recognition, calling it 'an irreversible step towards justice, peace and the correction of historic wrongs, including Britain's colonial legacy, the Balfour Declaration and its role in the dispossession of the Palestinian people'. Canada and Australia also made formal declarations recognising Palestine on Sunday, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stating it 'empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas'.
More than 150 countries are expected to have recognised Palestine by the end of next week, although some may set conditions. The United States has rejected the UK move. Starmer concluded by condemning the 'utterly intolerable' humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for an end to the 'relentless bombardment' and 'starvation and devastation'. The UK's recognition comes seven decades after the end of the British mandate in Palestine and the formation of the state of Israel.
