The UK is preparing to formally recognise the state of Palestine as early as Friday, after Israel failed to meet conditions that would have postponed the move. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the timing, insisting it was unrelated to Donald Trump's visit, despite the US president expressing disagreement with the decision.
Recognition is expected to draw criticism from Israel, which may view it as a reward for Hamas. However, the UK has stressed that it only envisions a Palestinian state where Hamas is disarmed, excluded from government, and the Palestinian Authority leadership faces elections within a year. Starmer emphasised that Hamas are terrorists and agreed with Trump on the need for a roadmap to peace.
The US, now opposed to a two-state solution, has rejected the UK move as unhelpful, but Trump has decided not to make it a point of division, seeing it as largely symbolic. The UK Foreign Office had long delayed recognition, but shifted its stance after consultations with France, following President Macron's announcement on 25 July.
Starmer set conditions for postponing recognition, including a ceasefire in Gaza, resumption of humanitarian aid, Israeli engagement in peace talks, and no further land annexations in the West Bank. Israel was unlikely to meet these, making recognition a matter of timing. The decision was prompted by anger at Israel's treatment of Palestinians and fears that annexation would destroy hopes for Palestinian self-determination.
The head of the Palestinian mission in the UK, Husam Zomlot, is due to unveil the Palestinian flag on Monday at what will become the Palestinian embassy. Recognition will establish state-to-state relations, but legal advice indicates it does not impose additional obligations on the UK to punish Israel for its occupation of Palestinian territories.
Critics argue that recognition breaches the Montevideo criteria for statehood, as Palestine lacks clearly defined borders and a stable government. Meanwhile, growing claims of genocide within the Labour party may intensify demands for further action, including cutting trade ties with Israel.
