British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared on Tuesday that the United Kingdom will recognize Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September unless Israel takes “substantive steps” to address the crisis in Gaza and revive the two-state solution.

In a decisive shift during a post-Cabinet press conference, Starmer said the recognition would proceed if Israel fails to meet conditions, including allowing the UN to restart humanitarian aid into Gaza, halting any planned annexations in the occupied West Bank, and engaging in a genuine peace process.

“I can confirm the UK will recognize the state of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza,” he said. “The dynamics must change. Hostages must be released. Aid must be allowed to enter.”

The announcement came days after French President Emmanuel Macron pledged that France, too, would recognize Palestine at the upcoming UN session. Starmer’s comments follow mounting political pressure at home, where more than 250 members of Parliament signed a letter urging immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Preconditions for Recognition

Starmer emphasized that the UK’s move is intended as a contribution to reviving a “proper peace process.” He warned that the two-state solution was slipping away due to ongoing violence and lack of international progress.

“The idea of a two-state solution feels further away today than it has for many years,” he said. “This is intended to further that cause.”

His conditions for delaying recognition include:

• Israel must commit to a ceasefire;
• Allow humanitarian aid to resume under UN coordination;
• Clearly reject any further annexation plans in the West Bank.

The prime minister also insisted that Hamas must “immediately release all of the hostages,” disarm, and play no role in governing Gaza.

Israel’s Reaction

The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized the UK’s statement, saying it “constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire.” Since October 7, 2023, Israel has conducted a devastating military campaign in Gaza, reportedly killing more than 60,000 Palestinians and plunging the enclave into deep humanitarian crisis.

Last year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.

Starmer said the UK’s decision was motivated by the “intolerable” conditions in Gaza and the shrinking possibility of achieving a peaceful resolution. “Our goal remains a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state,” he stressed.