UK to recognise Palestine as a state in September unless Israel meets conditions

The British government has said it will officially recognise Palestine as a state in September – unless Israel meets certain conditions.

Following an emergency cabinet meeting on Gaza, Sir Keir Starmer made the announcement on Tuesday after a meeting with US President Donald Trump the previous day.

He said the UK will recognise a Palestinian state by the UN general assembly in September unless Israel meets several conditions.

They are:

• Israel takes substantive steps to end the “appalling situation in Gaza”

• Israel agrees to a ceasefire

• Israel commits to a long-term sustainable peace – reviving the prospect of a two-state solution

• Israel must allow the UN to restart the supply of aid

• There must be no annexations in the West Bank.

Just last week, the Israeli Knesset (parliament), voted in favour of annexing the West Bank.

Sir Keir’s announcement comes less than a week after French President Emmanuel Macron said France will also recognise a Palestinian state in September, making it the first G7 nation to do so.

Ireland, Spain and Norway all officially recognised a Palestinian state last year.

Britain has long maintained that recognising Palestine as a state must be on condition of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

More than 200 MPs – over half of them Labour – including Labour chair of the Commons foreign affairs committee Emily Thornberry, last week called on Sir Keir to immediately recognise a Palestinian state.

However, the prime minister had repeatedly indicated he would not budge on the issue, saying he “very strongly” believes the only long-term solution to the Israel-Gaza conflict is a two-state solution.

Other Labour ministers had said recognising Palestine as a state would undermine Britain’s position as an impartial broker in the war.

Ministers have previously said they were committed to recognising a Palestinian state but would only do so “at a time that is most conducive to the peace process”.

Just before last summer’s election, Sir Keir said recognising Palestine as a state could jeopardise the UK’s relationship with the US, although it remained on Labour’s manifesto.

The US, under Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Mr Trump, have maintained a veto policy when it comes to recognising a Palestinian state at the UN Security Council.

Sir Keir also revealed on Tuesday UK aid had been airdropped into Gaza today, and also by land.

But he said at least 500 aid trucks need to enter Gaza every day to end the starvation, with 27% of young children and pregnant women malnourished.

The PM said: “Ultimately, the only way to bring this humanitarian crisis to an end is through a long-term settlement.

“So, we are supporting the US, Egyptian and Qatari efforts to secure a vital ceasefire.

“That ceasefire must be sustainable and it must lead to a wider peace plan, which we are developing with our international partners.

“This plan will deliver security and proper governance in Gaza and pave the way for negotiations on a two-state solution.

“Our goal remains a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. But right now – that goal is under pressure like never before.

“I’ve always said we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the Two State Solution.

“With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act.

“So today – as part of this process towards peace I can confirm the UK will recognise the state of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two state solution.”