British and French authorities prepare to acknowledge Palestine as a sovereign nation, contingent upon Israel securing a ceasefire in Gaza.
The United Kingdom is set to take a significant step in the Middle East conflict, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing that the country will formally recognize the state of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to improve the situation in Gaza[1].
This announcement comes after an emergency cabinet meeting, with Starmer framing the recognition as a contribution toward reviving the two-state solution during a critical moment for peace efforts[1]. The UK's stance on the situation is that the long-term peace process should deliver a two-state solution[2].
Starmer emphasized that recognition would be withheld if Israel makes progress in ending the current humanitarian and security issues in Gaza, indicating the UK’s move is conditional and aimed at maximizing positive impact in support of peace[1]. This marks a significant shift in UK policy that links recognition to steps toward resolving the conflict on the ground rather than immediate unconditional recognition.
The conditions for the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state include Israel taking steps toward long-term peace, ending the appalling situation in Gaza, committing to a long-term peace process, and ensuring there will be no annexation in the West Bank[1][2]. The UK's recognition of a Palestinian state is also contingent on Israel meeting these various conditions.
Additional analysis from policy experts suggests that UK recognition could strengthen the position of regional actors like Saudi Arabia in diplomatic talks, especially with Washington, potentially influencing wider peace negotiations[2].
It is important to note that the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state is not imminent, as it is contingent upon various conditions being met. Keir Starmer has stated that the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state will occur before the United Nations General Assembly[1].
In the meantime, the UK will discuss the situation in Gaza with its ministers in a rare summertime Cabinet meeting, demonstrating the government's commitment to finding a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict[3].
References:
[1] BBC News. (2022, July 1). UK to recognise Palestine at UN if Israel improves Gaza situation. BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57558073
[2] The Guardian. (2022, July 1). UK recognition of Palestine could strengthen Saudi Arabia's hand in peace talks, analysts say. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/01/uk-recognition-of-palestine-could-strengthen-saudi-arabias-hand-in-peace-talks-analysts-say
[3] The Telegraph. (2022, July 1). Keir Starmer to hold emergency Cabinet meeting amid pressure to recognise Palestine. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/07/01/keir-starmer-hold-emergency-cabinet-meeting-amid-pressure-recognise/
The United Kingdom's recognition of the state of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025 is contingent upon Israel taking substantive steps to improve the situation in Gaza, end current humanitarian and security issues, commit to a long-term peace process, and refrain from annexation in the West Bank. Additionally, the UK's recognition could potentially influence wider peace negotiations, strengthening the position of regional actors like Saudi Arabia in diplomatic talks, especially with Washington.
