United Kingdom to potentially establish Palestinian State by September, subject to given circumstances.
United Kingdom Announces Intention to Recognise Palestine at UN General Assembly
The United Kingdom has announced its intention to formally recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September, contingent on Israel not agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza and failing to take substantive steps toward peace.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement following an emergency cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street, stating that if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire and halt annexation plans, the UK will proceed with recognition during the UN meeting.
The UK's decision is part of a broader eight-point peace initiative coordinated with European nations, including France. France has already declared its intention to recognise Palestine, and Norway, Spain, and Ireland are among the European countries that have previously done so.
Starmer emphasised the urgency of the moment, saying, "The idea of a two-state solution is slipping away. This is not symbolic - it's strategic. Recognition is intended to keep peace within reach."
The UK's conditions for recognition are strategic and aimed at keeping peace within reach. Starmer's conditions on Hamas remain unchanged: it must release hostages, accept a ceasefire, disarm, and play no role in governing Gaza.
The recognition is contingent on Israel taking immediate and concrete steps to end the war on Gaza and engage in a political process toward peace. The announcement comes amid severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with UN agencies warning of looming famine and more than 60,000 deaths since the war began.
Labour MP Sarah Champion led the initiative and said, "There will never be a perfect moment, but this may be our last chance to ensure a two-state solution."
It is worth noting that the US President Donald Trump has denied speaking with Starmer about the recognition plan. Keir Starmer reportedly informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the plan in a private call prior to the public statement.
The UK's position marks a major shift in British foreign policy, as it has historically supported a two-state solution but never tied recognition to a deadline or specific conditions. The recognition of Palestine, if it goes ahead, would signal a significant development in the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict.
[1] The Guardian, "UK to recognise Palestine at UN General Assembly if Israel fails to make peace moves", 25 July 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/25/uk-to-recognise-palestine-at-un-general-assembly-if-israel-fails-to-make-peace-moves
[2] BBC News, "Legal analysis: Is UK recognition of Palestine legal?", 26 July 2025, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58156161
The United Kingdom's decision to recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly is a part of a broader policy and legislation shift, aligning with the politics of several European nations. This move comes in the wake of war-and-conflicts in Gaza, particularly the ongoing conflict, and is intended as a strategic general-news initiative towards peace.
The announcement made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the recognition of Palestine, if Israel fails to make peace moves, could signal a significant policy-and-legislation development in the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the region.
