The United Kingdom is poised to officially acknowledge a Palestinian state this Sunday, following Israel’s failure to satisfy the conditions outlined by Keir Starmer in July.
This announcement is expected from the prime minister after assessing that the humanitarian crisis has worsened considerably in recent weeks. The decision comes despite opposition from the United States and families of hostages held by Hamas.
In July, Starmer declared that he would recognise Palestine before the upcoming UN General Assembly (UNGA) meeting if the situation did not improve.
Amid ongoing military actions and a deepening humanitarian emergency in Gaza, the UK government is increasingly concerned about plans to expand Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Officials warn that such developments could extinguish any remaining prospects for a two-state resolution.
Labour has emphasized that recognising a Palestinian state is not an endorsement of Hamas and clarified that the group would not have any governing authority in Gaza. The government is anticipated to intensify sanctions against Hamas and has escalated calls for the release of hostages.
David Lammy, the deputy prime minister representing the UK at the UNGA, stated: “Acknowledging a Palestinian state is a direct response to the significant expansion of settlements and the surge in settler violence in the West Bank. For instance, the proposed E1 development threatens to undermine the feasibility of a two-state solution.”
The UN summit, featuring high-level discussions among global leaders, commences on 23 September. Starmer’s stance has created friction with the US administration, which opposes formal recognition of Palestine.
Previously, Starmer indicated that British recognition would be conditional, contingent upon Israel agreeing to a ceasefire, committing to a sustainable peace that supports a two-state framework, and permitting the UN to resume aid deliveries.
However, these prerequisites appear unlikely to be fulfilled, given Israel’s current opposition. Presently, 147 out of the UN’s 193 member states officially recognise the State of Palestine.
Families of some of the 48 hostages still held captive have penned an open letter to Starmer, condemning the planned recognition.
The letter reads: “Your decision to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly complicates efforts to secure the safe return of our loved ones. Hamas has already hailed this as a victory and withdrawn from ceasefire negotiations. We urge you to delay this action until our family members are safely home.”
Opposition voices have also criticised the move, with shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel accusing Starmer of yielding to internal party pressures to solidify his leadership.
Lammy added: “Regarding the situation in Gaza, our priority must be the safe release of hostages. There is absolutely no place for Hamas. The humanitarian conditions are dire, and we continue to urge Israel to address the widespread malnutrition and starvation by facilitating greater aid access to Gaza, especially as the offensive in Gaza City persists.”
