United Kingdom plans to officially acknowledge Palestinian state by September
In a significant move, the United Kingdom has announced its intention to formally recognise the State of Palestine by September 2025, unless Israel takes tangible steps to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and commit to the peace process. This decision, made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, follows a similar recognition by France and adds to the growing global momentum towards acknowledging Palestinian statehood.
The UK's decision has been met with both praise and criticism. Former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman criticised Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over the UK's decision, describing it as a consequence of Israel's diplomatic collapse. Israeli officials have strongly condemned the UK's announcement, with a political source telling Yediot Aharonot that it "sends the wrong message to Hamas and undermines ongoing ceasefire efforts." Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid blamed Prime Minister Netanyahu's policies for isolating Israel diplomatically.
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia and Jordan welcomed the UK's move, describing it as a step towards justice and peace. The UK's Foreign Secretary emphasised London's role and responsibility in advancing peace, stating that "We will not allow international resolutions on Palestine to remain meaningless." France's Foreign Ministry also praised the decision, calling it an opportunity to revive peace prospects.
As of early 2025, 147 UN member states recognise Palestine as a sovereign state, which amounts to just over 76% of all UN members. This level of recognition reflects a broad international acceptance of Palestinian statehood. Other countries, such as France and Australia, are also planning to recognise Palestine in September 2025, reflecting a notable momentum in European and international recognition efforts.
Canada has articulated conditional plans for recognition, contingent on the Palestinian Authority holding elections without Hamas and demilitarising the state. Similarly, the UK's recognition is conditional, pending Israeli actions such as agreeing to a ceasefire in the Gaza war, ending the crisis in Gaza, committing to a two-state solution, and clarifying that the West Bank would not be annexed.
Recognition is more than symbolic; it affirms sovereignty and opens doors to diplomatic relations and economic cooperation. However, some argue that while recognition is a landmark political gesture, it may not immediately alter the situation on the ground in Palestine or with Israel. Calls persist for peace, a permanent ceasefire, and the protection of civilians as foundational for lasting peace and justice.
The move is part of a renewed push to preserve the two-state solution and pressure Israel to halt further annexation in the West Bank. The US President, Donald Trump, has distanced himself from the UK's stance on recognising Palestine. Critics argue that the US remains the last major power backing Israel's occupation.
The UK's expected recognition of Palestine marks a significant diplomatic shift, increasing pressure on Israel. The shift signals growing international impatience with the status quo regarding Palestine. The move comes amid rising Gaza famine and increasing Israeli settler attacks in the West Bank. Trump confirmed he had never discussed the UK's recognition of Palestine with anyone, distancing himself from the UK's decision.
Sources:
[1] BBC News. (2025, August 1). UK to recognise Palestine if Israel takes peace steps. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58162671
[2] Al Jazeera. (2025, July 29). UK to recognise Palestine state if peace conditions met. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/29/uk-to-recognise-palestine-state-if-peace-conditions-met
[3] Middle East Eye. (2025, August 1). Saudi Arabia welcomes UK's recognition of Palestine. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/saudi-arabia-welcomes-uk-recognition-palestine
[4] The Jerusalem Post. (2025, July 29). UK's recognition of Palestine 'undermines' ceasefire efforts, says political source. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/articles/571343/uk-s-recognition-of-palestine-undermines-ceasefire-efforts-says-political-source
- The announcement made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the UK intends to recognize Palestine by September 2025, if certain conditions are met, is a significant action in the realm of politics and policy-and-legislation.
- The UK's move towards recognizing Palestine is not only a symbolic affirmation of sovereignty but also could open doors for diplomatic relations and economic cooperation in the arena of business and general-news.
- Various countries, including France, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, have expressed support for the UK's decision, indicating a growing trend in international recognition of Palestinian statehood within the science and history fields.
- Meanwhile, Israel has strongly criticized the UK's announcement, with Israeli officials arguing that it sends the wrong message to Hamas and undermines ongoing ceasefire efforts, a topic of considerable discussion in the entertainment and news sectors.
