United Kingdom will recognise Palestine unless Israel addresses Gaza crisis
The United Kingdom will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September unless Israel takes steps to end the “appalling situation” in Gaza. British Prime minister Keir Starmer announced this on Tuesday.
Conditions for Israeli compliance
As part of a growing international push for a ceasefire and long-term peace in the region, the UK is demanding that Israel commit to ending its military campaign in Gaza, rule out the annexation of the West Bank and engage in a genuine peace process aimed at achieving a two-state solution.
At the same time, the UK government is maintaining pressure on the Palestinian movement Hamas. It insists that Hamas must release all hostages, agree to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that it will not have a role in governing Gaza.
Scottish first minister John Swinney welcomed the UK’s move but urged the government to go further. “Recognition must be unconditional and must be backed by sanctions against Israel if the violence continues,” he said. “A two-state solution is the only way the Palestinian and Israeli people can have a future, living side by side in peace and security. The Palestinian people deserve no less.”
© PHOTO THOMAS KRYCH / ZUMA PRESS WIRE
Global recognition remains divided
While around 140 countries already recognise Palestine as a state, many Western nations, including the United States and much of Europe, have held off, arguing that recognition should only come as part of a broader political resolution to the conflict.
Spain, Ireland and Norway broke with that approach last year, formally recognising Palestine in an effort to increase diplomatic pressure on Israel to agree to a ceasefire.
France has not yet made the move, but president Emmanuel Macron has indicated that it will do so at the UN General Assembly in September. Starmer has now signalled that the UK will follow suit unless Israel meets a series of conditions.
In Belgium, the government has not yet taken a formal position. The office of foreign minister Maxime Prévot confirmed that a decision will be made in early September, ahead of the UN meeting and a possible summit on Palestine. Consultations between France and Belgium are expected in the meantime.
Several Belgian opposition parties have already voiced support for Macron’s position and are urging the government to recognise Palestine without delay.
Britain's prime minister Keir Starmer makes an address following an emergency cabinet meeting on Gaza at 10 Downing Street in London on 29 July, 2025. © PHOTO TOBY MELVILLE / POOL / AFP
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