UK to Recognise Palestine as a State at UN in September Unless Israel Acts, Starmer Says

UK to Recognise State of Palestine by September Unless Israel Acts, Starmer Warns

Britain will officially back Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly unless Israel commits to ceasefire and peace plan.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed the UK is prepared to formally recognise the State of Palestine by September — unless the Israeli government takes immediate action to ease suffering in Gaza and renew peace negotiations.

The announcement marks a major shift in British foreign policy and aligns the UK with France, which declared its intention last week to support Palestinian statehood at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.

“The Palestinian people have endured terrible suffering,” Starmer said on Tuesday. “Now, in Gaza, because of a catastrophic failure of aid, we see starving babies, children too weak to stand — images that will stay with us for a lifetime. The suffering must end.”

Conditions for Recognition

Starmer’s government outlined that Britain will proceed with formal recognition unless Israel:

• Allows at least 500 trucks per day of humanitarian aid into Gaza

• Commits clearly to no annexation of the West Bank

• Engages in a long-term peace process aimed at a two-state solution

The UK’s recognition will come during the UN General Assembly this September if these conditions are not met — a timetable that significantly escalates diplomatic pressure on Israel amid growing international outrage over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

"With the two-state solution under threat, this is the moment to act,” Starmer said. “We cannot wait indefinitely while the situation on the ground worsens by the day.”

A Historic Shift in UK Policy

The UK has long held that it would recognise a Palestinian state “when the time is right”, but this is the first time a British government has set a concrete deadline. The move comes after France declared it would vote in favour of Palestinian statehood at the same UN summit, defying pressure from Israel and its ally the United States.

Starmer, who backed Israel’s right to self-defence during the early stages of the Gaza war, has taken a more assertive tone since becoming Prime Minister. Under his leadership, the UK has suspended weapons exports to Israel, dropped legal opposition to the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, and imposed sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for inciting violence.

Domestic and International Pressure

The move follows mounting pressure at home. Last week, over 220 British MPs, including a majority from Starmer’s Labour Party, signed a letter calling on the government to recognise Palestine. Their calls intensified after France’s announcement and the UN’s warning that famine is “now” occurring in Gaza.

Starmer recalled his cabinet during the summer recess to approve an eight-part peace plan being developed in coordination with France, Germany, Egypt, Qatar, and other international partners.

The plan includes diplomatic efforts to secure a sustainable ceasefire, establish governance in Gaza, and lay the groundwork for a negotiated two-state settlement.

“Ultimately, the only way to bring this humanitarian crisis to an end is through a long-term settlement,” Starmer said. “This plan will deliver security and proper governance in Gaza and pave the way for negotiations on a two-state solution.”

Recognition Not a Reward for Hamas

Starmer emphasised that the UK’s recognition of Palestine is not a reward for Hamas. “There is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas,” he said, urging Hamas to release hostages, disarm, and remove itself from governance in Gaza.

"Our decision will be made based on what improves the lives of Palestinians and restores the possibility of peace — not on the actions of militant groups.”

Final Assessment Due in September

Starmer confirmed that his government will make a final assessment in early September ahead of the UN Assembly. “No side will have a veto,” he said, indicating that the UK will act independently if the situation in Gaza remains dire.

Britain is also working with Jordan to airdrop aid into Gaza and evacuate children in urgent medical need.

If carried out, the move would position the UK as only the second permanent UN Security Council member to formally recognise the State of Palestine — a landmark diplomatic development as international patience with Israel’s conduct continues to erode.

Image: GOV.UK, UK PM Adresses state on Palestine