The British Prime Minister will recognize Palestine if Israel’s approach does not change.
Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, announced to his cabinet on Tuesday, July 29, that if the Israeli government does not take serious actions to end the dire situation in Gaza, the UK will recognize Palestine in September before the United Nations General Assembly meeting.
According to the British government’s statement, this decision is conditional on the establishment of a ceasefire, halting the annexation plan in the West Bank, and Israel’s commitment to a long-term peace process to achieve a two-state solution.
Starmer also emphasized that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas, and London’s demands from Hamas remain firm: the release of all hostages, acceptance of a ceasefire, complete withdrawal from governing Gaza, and disarmament.
He made this decision after an extraordinary cabinet call during the summer holidays to review a new peace plan and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Previous British governments have always stated that they would recognize Palestine at the appropriate time, but they never provided a specific timeline or conditions.