UK ready to recognise Palestinian state as Gaza crisis deepens

The United Kingdom is set to formally recognise a Palestinian state today Sunday, a decision Prime Minister Keir Starmer says has been triggered by worsening humanitarian conditions and the collapse of efforts to revive peace talks.

According to The Guardian, Starmer will make the announcement ahead of next week’s United Nations General Assembly after concluding that Israel has failed to meet the conditions he outlined in July.

At the time, the prime minister warned that recognition would follow if there was no significant progress toward a ceasefire, renewed aid access, and a credible path to a two-state solution.

The move comes despite intense lobbying from Washington and public appeals from families of hostages held by Hamas, who fear recognition could complicate negotiations.

British officials say the decision reflects growing concern over Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza and the acceleration of settlement projects in the West Bank.

Ministers fear new construction, particularly the proposed E1 development near Jerusalem, could permanently undermine the prospect of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who will represent the UK at the UN meetings beginning September 23, said recognition was a response to “serious expansion and settler violence” that threatens any chance of a negotiated peace.

“This is not a reward for Hamas,” Lammy stressed, adding that London plans to tighten sanctions on the militant group and continues to demand the release of hostages.

Labour officials stated that recognition of Palestine is aimed at salvaging a two-state framework, not endorsing any faction within Gaza.

Starmer’s team argues that the policy shift keeps Britain aligned with the 147 UN member states that already recognise Palestinian statehood and reinforces international law as a foundation for peace.

Meanwhile,Israel has stepped up airstrikes in Gaza City, with Palestinian health officials reporting at least 14 deaths overnight.

In Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, thousands of protesters—including relatives of the estimated 48 hostages still in captivity, have urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a deal to end the conflict.

The British move is expected to set the stage for tense discussions at the UN, where world leaders will debate next steps in the long-stalled Middle East peace process.

Starmer’s decision also puts London at odds with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which has voiced strong opposition to Palestinian recognition.

While Starmer once linked recognition to Israeli concessions, British officials now concede those conditions are unlikely to be met.

“We cannot wait indefinitely while the humanitarian crisis worsens and the two-state solution slips away,” a senior government source said.

UK ready to recognise Palestinian state as Gaza crisis deepens