The U.K. will recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel agrees to a Gaza cease-fire, permits U.N. aid deliveries, and takes further steps toward lasting peace, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Tuesday.
"He said that the UK will recognise the state of Palestine in September, before UNGA (United Nations General Assembly), unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, reaches a ceasefire, makes clear there will be no annexation in the West Bank, and commits to a long-term peace process that delivers a Two State Solution," the statement said.
"He reiterated that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas and that our demands on Hamas remain, that they must release all the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, accept that they will play no role in the government of Gaza, and disarm."
Pressure to formally recognize Palestinian statehood has mounted since French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country will become the first major Western power to recognize a Palestinian state in September.
More than 250 of the 650 lawmakers in the House of Commons have signed a letter urging the government to recognize a Palestinian state.
More than 140 countries recognize a Palestinian state, including a dozen in Europe. Macron's announcement last week make France is the first Group of Seven country and the largest European nation to take that step.
As with France, British recognition would be largely symbolic, but could increase diplomatic pressure for an end to the conflict - especially as Starmer appears to have the tacit approval of Trump.
Britain has a particular historic role as the former governing power of what was then Palestine and author of the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which backed the establishment of a Jewish homeland.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Britain bore a "special burden of responsibility."
"Our support for Israel, its right to exist, and the security of its people, is steadfast," Lammy told a meeting at the U.N. in New York on Tuesday. "However, the Balfour Declaration came with the solemn promise that nothing shall be done, nothing which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of the Palestinian people as well. And colleagues, this has not been upheld, and it is a historical injustice which continues to unfold."
France welcomed Britain's announcement.
″The United Kingdom is joining the momentum created by France for the recognition of the state of Palestine," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot posted on X.
