London, July 31: Britain will recognise the State of Palestine ahead of the United Nations General Assembly session in September unless Israel takes concrete steps to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the UK government said on Tuesday.
Downing Street outlined a set of conditions for delaying recognition, including Israel’s agreement to a ceasefire, commitment to a long-term peace process, allowing immediate United Nations humanitarian access to Gaza, and a pledge not to annex further territory in the West Bank.
“The assessment will be made prior to the UN General Assembly. No one party can veto recognition by its actions or inactions,” the statement read.
The announcement comes a day after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the latter’s Turnberry golf course in Scotland. Trump signalled his tacit approval of the move, saying: “I’m not going to take a position. I don’t mind him taking a position.”
France has already said it will formally recognise a Palestinian state during the upcoming UN session. President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement on July 24, urging other Western powers to follow suit.
On July 25, 221 British MPs, the majority from Starmer’s Labour Party, sent a letter urging immediate recognition. Starmer, who has long advocated for a two-state solution, said the moment had come to act.
“I’ve always said that we will recognise a Palestinian State as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution. With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act,” Starmer said.
While noting that recognition alone would not change the situation on the ground, the UK also announced a series of immediate humanitarian steps in coordination with Jordan, including food airdrops into Gaza and evacuation of injured children. UK aid deliveries by land and air began on Tuesday.
Starmer said at least 500 aid trucks should be entering Gaza each day to meet urgent needs. The UK reiterated its position that Hamas, designated a terrorist organisation by Britain and the United States, must have no role in the future governance of Gaza.
“Hamas are a terrorist organisation responsible for the October 7th atrocities. They must never be rewarded,” the government said. Britain, along with key international partners, is also preparing for longer-term diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving negotiations for a two-state solution.
