UK to Recognize Palestine by September Unless Israel Stops War

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK would formally recognize a Palestinian state by the United Nations General Assembly in September if Israel does not stop its war in Gaza.

British recognition for Palestine will come if Israel doesn’t “take substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza,” including agreeing to a ceasefire, committing to a pathway to peace that revives the prospect of a two-state solution and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank, Starmer said on Tuesday in a televised statement following an emergency meeting of his cabinet. He also made clear that on the Palestinian side, Hamas must release all Israeli hostages, disarm, and play no further part in the governance of Gaza.