London Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce on Sunday that the United Kingdom will formally recognise a Palestinian state — marking a major shift in British foreign policy.
The decision follows Starmer’s pledge in July that the UK would change its position by September unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza and committed to a credible peace plan aimed at securing a two-state solution.
For decades, British governments have argued that recognition should come only when it would have “maximum impact” on the peace process. This move has sparked sharp debate — supporters call it a moral necessity, while critics, including Israel, warn it could embolden terrorism.
Criticism from Israel and Hostage Families
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision, calling it “a reward for terror.” Families of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas sent an open letter urging Starmer to postpone recognition until all 48 hostages — 20 of whom are believed to be alive — are released.
They warned the move had “dramatically complicated efforts to bring home our loved ones” and accused Hamas of celebrating the announcement as a victory. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also criticised the timing, arguing in The Telegraph that recognition without the release of hostages would effectively reward Hamas.
UK Government’s Justification
Downing Street said the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and Israel’s ongoing expansion of settlements in the West Bank left London with no choice but to act. Justice Secretary David Lammy highlighted the controversial E1 settlement project, warning it would kill any chance of a viable Palestinian state.
Government sources pointed to famine in Gaza and mass displacement caused by Israeli operations as reasons for taking immediate action. Ministers also confirmed they will soon introduce further sanctions targeting Hamas and stressed that the group can play “no part” in a future Palestinian government.
International Context
The UK joins Portugal, France, Canada, and Australia in pledging recognition of Palestine, following moves last year by Spain, Ireland, and Norway. Palestine is recognised by about 75% of UN member states but still lacks agreed borders, a capital, and a standing army — making recognition mostly symbolic.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the decision during a visit to London earlier this month, agreeing with Starmer that Hamas should have no role in future governance.
Two-State Solution Under Threat
The two-state solution envisions an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital. However, Israel’s military occupation and settlement growth have increasingly undermined the feasibility of such an outcome.
Starmer has faced mounting pressure from Labour MPs to take a firmer line on Israel, with more than half of the party’s lawmakers signing a letter earlier this year calling for immediate recognition.
“Recognition is intended as a contribution to a real peace process — at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution,” Starmer said earlier this year.
