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UK Prime Minister has announced that Britain will formally recognize the state of Palestine in September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza and commits to a viable two-state solution.
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, a dire humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Gaza, where reports from the United Nations and international aid agencies warn that people are dying of starvation. These organizations accuse Israel of deliberately obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid by imposing severe restrictions, dismantling established aid networks, and making it nearly impossible to transport food and medical supplies. Israel strongly denies these claims, instead blaming the UN for mismanaging aid distribution and insisting that there is no widespread starvation in Gaza. Israel also maintains that a lot of the aid is being stolen by Hamas. Despite all of this, many countries have condemned Israel for the ongoing situation, including key allies. Even President Donald Trump has acknowledged the severity of the situation and called for increased humanitarian assistance to the region.
What’s going on now: In a notable announcement, Prime Minister Starmer confirmed that the United Kingdom is prepared to formally recognize the state of Palestine this September if Israel fails to take “substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza.” Speaking after recalling his Cabinet during summer recess for an emergency meeting, Starmer stated, “I’ve always said that we will recognize 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.” He stressed that the UK’s decision is rooted in both the catastrophic humanitarian conditions on the ground and the rapidly diminishing prospects for a negotiated two-state solution.
The UK’s demands are clear: an immediate ceasefire, a halt to any annexation in the West Bank, the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and a firm commitment from Israel to a long-term peace process. Starmer said, “Ultimately, the only way to bring this humanitarian crisis to an end is through a long-term settlement,” reiterating that a safe and secure Israel must exist alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. He added, “We’ll make an assessment in September on how far the parties have met these steps, but no one should have a veto over our decision.”
The UK’s stance includes a detailed eight-point peace plan, which was coordinated with European allies and endorsed by the Cabinet.
The announcement follows similar moves by France, with President Emmanuel Macron saying last week that Paris would recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.
As of now, the Israeli government has not formally responded to the UK’s ultimatum.
