UK Recognises Palestinian State as Foreign Secretary Warns Israel Against Annexation
New York — UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has warned Israel not to annex parts of the occupied West Bank following Britain’s historic recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Speaking to the BBC ahead of a UN conference in New York, Cooper said she made it clear to Israeli officials that any move to annex Palestinian land would be unacceptable.
Her remarks come just a day after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state — a major policy shift, joined by Canada, Australia, and Portugal.
Starmer’s Landmark Announcement
On Sunday, Starmer said the move was intended to “revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution.” He emphasized that Palestinian statehood must exclude Hamas, stressing that the militant group has “no future, no role in government, and no role in security.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately condemned the decision, calling it “a huge reward to terrorism.” Israeli officials accused Labour of betrayal, while US officials described the recognition as a “diplomatic gift to Hamas.”
Despite the backlash, Starmer defended the decision as a pledge to both Israelis and Palestinians for a better future, saying the “starvation and devastation in Gaza are utterly intolerable.”
Cooper: UK Has a Duty to Revive Two-State Solution
Cooper underlined that the recognition is about ensuring long-term security for both peoples:
“Just as we recognise Israel’s right to exist, so we must also recognise the rights of Palestinians to a state of their own,” she said.
She warned that extremists on both sides are trying to derail hopes for peace, and argued that Britain has a moral obligation to push for a two-state solution rather than “walk away” from the conflict.
The UK’s Consulate General in East Jerusalem will continue operations, though it is expected to transition into a full embassy as talks with the Palestinian Authority advance.
Global Momentum for Recognition
Britain’s announcement is part of a growing wave of international recognition. France and Saudi Arabia are set to co-chair a UN meeting on advancing a two-state solution, with Belgium expected to follow France’s pledge.
Currently, around 75% of UN member states officially recognise Palestine. However, the state lacks defined borders, a standing army, or an agreed capital, making the recognition largely symbolic.
Reactions From Around the World
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Israel: Netanyahu doubled down, vowing to expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank, while far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for outright annexation.
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Palestinian Authority: President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the UK’s decision, saying it could pave the way for “two states living side by side in peace and security.”
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Hamas: The group praised the recognition but insisted it must be followed by “practical measures” to end the war.
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UK Conservatives: Deputy Chair Matt Vickers accused Starmer of “rewarding Hamas” and undermining peace efforts.
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Liberal Democrats: Leader Sir Ed Davey called the recognition an “essential step,” while urging pressure on Israel to halt military action in Gaza.
Humanitarian and Legal Context
The recognition follows a UN commission of inquiry accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The International Association of Genocide Scholars detailed war crimes and crimes against humanity during the 22-month conflict, which has left an estimated 65,000 Palestinians dead.
Israel rejected the findings as “Hamas lies” and denied allegations of famine in Gaza, blaming aid agencies and Hamas for shortages.
The Path Ahead
UK ministers say recognition is driven by the urgent need to protect the two-state solution, which they warn is “under peril like never before” due to settlement expansion and ongoing conflict.
Hamish Falconer, the UK’s Middle East Minister, said:
“The time is right now because the threat to two states living in peace has never been greater.”
The UK insists that any Palestinian state must be demilitarised and governed without Hamas, while also pressing Israel to halt settlement expansion.
Despite fierce divisions, London’s move signals renewed international momentum for reviving the long-stalled peace process and strengthening the framework for a two-state solution.