On the 29th, the UK Prime Minister's Office issued a statement indicating that if Israel does not take substantive action to end the horrific situation in Gaza and commit to achieving long-term sustainable peace, the UK will recognize the State of Palestine before the opening of the UN General Assembly in September, in order to safeguard the viability of the "two-state solution."
The statement calls on Israel to allow the United Nations to promptly resume humanitarian aid to Gaza to end the famine, agree to a ceasefire, and make clear that it will not annex Palestinian territories in the West Bank. The statement also sets forth several demands on Hamas, including the release of all detained individuals.
The statement expresses the UK's willingness to work with international partners to develop a credible peace plan, and after the ceasefire, to establish transitional governance and security mechanisms in Gaza, ensuring the scale and timeliness of humanitarian assistance.
Prime Minister Starmer said: "I have always said that, at the most pivotal moment for the 'two-state solution' and as a contribution to the peace process, we will recognize the State of Palestine. Given that this solution is currently under threat, now is the time to act."
According to reports by the Financial Times, the Times and other media, after French President Macron announced on the 24th that France would recognize the State of Palestine at the UNGA in September, more than 230 ordinary members of the British Parliament and about one-third of the Cabinet have urged Starmer to recognize the State of Palestine.
Israel Rejects UK's Statement on Recognizing Palestine
On the 29th, the Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement rejecting the UK’s declaration to recognize the Palestinian state.
The statement said that this new position of the UK government is in fact "rewarding" Hamas and "undermines efforts" to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and advance the framework for the release of detainees.
The statement pointed out that the UK’s change of position stems from domestic political pressure and French President Macron’s previous similar remarks.
On the same day, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a statement noting that this move will threaten the UK itself and is doomed to failure.