UK to Recognize Palestinian State as Starmer Pushes for Two-State Solution
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce the UK’s formal recognition of a Palestinian state on Sunday afternoon, marking one of the most significant shifts in British foreign policy in decades.
Starmer had warned in July that the UK would change its stance unless Israel agreed to key conditions: a ceasefire in Gaza and a commitment to a long-term peace process that would allow a Palestinian state to exist alongside Israel.
Israeli Opposition and Hostage Families’ Concerns
Israel’s government has strongly opposed the move. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly argued that recognition of Palestine would “reward terror.” Families of hostages still held in Gaza and several Conservative MPs echoed that sentiment, urging Starmer to delay the decision.
In an open letter, relatives of hostages claimed the UK’s announcement had “complicated efforts” to secure their release, warning that Hamas celebrated the move as a victory and backed away from ceasefire negotiations.
Currently, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed to still be alive.
Why This Recognition Matters
For years, successive UK governments insisted recognition should come only as part of a negotiated peace deal. Starmer’s decision breaks with that tradition, with ministers arguing Britain now has a moral responsibility to act to preserve the possibility of peace.
Justice Secretary David Lammy, who championed the recognition push as foreign secretary, pointed to Israel’s settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including the controversial E1 project, as a major reason for the shift. Critics say such developments could make a future Palestinian state geographically impossible.
The situation in Gaza has also heavily influenced the decision. Nearly two years of war have left much of the territory destroyed. The Hamas-run health ministry says at least 65,000 Palestinians have been killed. A recent UN inquiry accused Israel of committing genocide, a charge Israel rejected as “false and distorted.”
Israel’s latest ground assault in Gaza City was described by UN officials as “cataclysmic,” displacing hundreds of thousands. Starmer himself has called conditions in Gaza “intolerable.”
Global Support for Palestinian Statehood
The UK joins a growing number of countries moving toward recognition. Spain, Ireland, and Norway recognized Palestine last year, while France, Canada, Portugal, and Australia have all signaled plans to follow suit.
Palestine is currently recognized by around 75% of the United Nations’ 193 member states, but lacks agreed borders, a capital, and a standing army—leaving recognition largely symbolic.
Still, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed Britain’s pledge, praising the move as a step toward international accountability. During his recent visit to London, Abbas and Starmer agreed Hamas should play no role in future Palestinian governance.
Political Reactions in the UK
The decision has divided opinion at home. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch acknowledged support for a two-state solution but warned recognition without hostage releases would be “a reward for terrorism.”
Britain’s Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, also criticized the timing, arguing recognition should depend on a functioning Palestinian government committed to peace.
Within Labour, however, pressure had been mounting for months. More than half of Labour MPs signed a letter this summer urging immediate recognition, a stance long championed by the party’s left.
The Two-State Solution Under Threat
The two-state solution envisions a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza with East Jerusalem as its capital. But Israel continues to occupy both territories, undermining the Palestinian Authority’s ability to govern.
Netanyahu’s far-right government has expanded settlements and pushed annexation plans, with some ministers proposing to absorb up to 82% of the West Bank. Washington has also voiced opposition to Britain’s recognition, with President Donald Trump stating during his UK visit that he “disagreed with the move.”
Still, Starmer insists the decision is necessary. Ahead of this week’s UN General Assembly, he said: “With the two-state solution now under threat, this is the moment to act.”