Britain to Recognise Palestinian State Today, Reports Say

The United Kingdom is set to formally recognise a Palestinian state today, according to multiple UK media outlets, marking a historic shift in British foreign policy. The announcement is expected to be strongly opposed by Israel, a long-standing ally of the UK.

Historically, Britain has been a staunch supporter of Israel, but the position has changed amid Israel’s intensified offensive in Gaza, which followed Hamas’s unprecedented attack in October 2023. Since then, the small Palestinian territory has experienced widespread destruction, loss of life, and severe food shortages, triggering a major humanitarian crisis.

Statements from the UK Government

• Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated in July that Britain would recognise the State of Palestine if Israel did not take “substantive steps” towards a ceasefire with Hamas by the time the UN General Assembly convened in September.
• Starmer is expected to make the official announcement on Sunday, according to reports from the BBC and the Press Association.
• He described the recognition as contributing to “a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution.”

In response to the announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Starmer of rewarding “monstrous terrorism” and appeasing “jihadist” ideology.

The recognition comes ahead of the UN General Assembly, where approximately ten other countries, including Britain’s G7 partner France, are also expected to recognise a Palestinian state.

Meanwhile, Israel continues its military offensive to capture Gaza City, the territory’s largest urban centre. The United Nations has declared a famine in the city.

Casualties and Humanitarian Impact

The move to recognise Palestine represents a significant diplomatic shift for the United Kingdom, highlighting growing international pressure to pursue a two-state solution, even as ongoing violence and humanitarian suffering continue in Gaza.