Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that the United Kingdom will recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by September, unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and takes substantive steps toward peace in Gaza. The announcement, made during a press conference on Tuesday, follows a meeting with Donald Trump in Scotland where both leaders discussed the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Starmer emphasized that the U.K. is committed to facilitating a long-term sustainable peace, including the restoration of aid supplies into Gaza and the rejection of any West Bank annexations.
Starmer’s remarks came amid growing international pressure on Israel to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where thousands of civilians continue to face severe food shortages and medical emergencies. The U.K. leader reiterated that Hamas must immediately release all hostages, sign a ceasefire agreement, and disarm, stating that they will have no role in the governance of Gaza. The decision has sparked strong reactions, with Israel’s foreign ministry condemning the U.K.’s move, calling it a reward for Hamas and an obstacle to achieving a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has distanced himself from the U.K.’s stance, noting that while both Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have moved toward recognizing a Palestinian state, he does not have to agree with their positions. Trump highlighted U.S. efforts to deliver aid to Gaza, including $60 million allocated to provide food for the region, and criticized the lack of gratitude from other nations for their contributions. However, the decision to deliver aid has been a contentious issue, with Israel long accusing Hamas of misusing resources sent into Gaza.
The U.K.’s announcement follows closely after Trump’s meeting with Starmer in Turnberry, Scotland, where both leaders expressed concern over the humanitarian and hunger crisis in Gaza. Trump also publicly diverged from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing that the hunger crisis is real and not a propaganda effort by Hamas. The situation continues to escalate as Israel has recently begun easing restrictions on aid deliveries into Gaza, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from the international community and further complicated the already fragile peace process.