Britain will recognize a Palestinian state in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the "appalling situation" in Gaza and meets other conditions, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the cabinet on Tuesday, according to a government statement, Reuters reported.
The statement comes after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would support the establishment of a Palestinian state in September, with the impact of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza emerging as the significant factor behind Starmer's decision. Two senior government officials, speaking anonymously about sensitive internal discussions, told The New York Times that momentum for recognition has been building due to the escalating humanitarian crisis and reports of starvation deaths in Gaza following aid restrictions that were imposed by Israeli authorities. The officials revealed that Starmer's previous resistance to what he considered largely performative gestures has weakened under unprecedented political pressure.
Over 250 parliamentarians from nine parties, including Labour members, signed a letter urging Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy to recognize Palestine at this week's United Nations conference on the two-state solution. The legislative correspondence recognized that "the UK does not possess the authority to establish a free and independent Palestine," yet contended that acknowledgment would hold substantial influence considering Britain's historical involvement in Israel's founding. Recognition advocates have suggested such measures would represent governmental acceptance of Gaza's catastrophe and show Britain refuses to passively witness the developing emergency.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Macron's move, declaring that a Palestinian state could become "a launchpad to annihilate Israel." The Israeli leader's opposition underscores the diplomatic risks Starmer faces as he weighs Britain's position on Palestinian statehood recognition.
