UK to recognise Palestine as a state in September
The British government has said it will officially recognise Palestine as a state in September – unless Israel meets certain conditions. Following an emergency cabinet meeting on Gaza, Sir Keir Starmer made the announcement on Tuesday after a meeting with US President Donald Trump the previous day. He said the UK will recognise a Palestinian […]
Union Jack British flag flies in bright blue sky at Houses of Parliament and Big Ben London
The British government has said it will officially recognise Palestine as a state in September – unless Israel meets certain conditions.
Following an emergency cabinet meeting on Gaza, Sir Keir Starmer made the announcement on Tuesday after a meeting with US President Donald Trump the previous day.
He said the UK will recognise a Palestinian state by the UN General Assembly in September unless Israel meets several conditions.
These include Israel taking substantive steps to end the “appalling situation in Gaza” and Israel agreeing to a ceasefire.
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Sir Keir’s announcement comes less than a week after French President Emmanuel Macron said France will also recognise a Palestinian state in September, making it the first G7 nation to do so.
Ireland, Spain and Norway all officially recognised a Palestinian state last year.
Meanwhile, Israel’s foreign ministry said it “rejects the statement” by Sir Keir and accused him of pandering to his MPs and the French.
It said: “The shift in the British government’s position at this time, following the French move and internal political pressures, constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of hostages.”