British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer announced that the UK will formally recognize the Palestinian state if Israel fails to agree to a ceasefire and take steps toward peace in Gaza by September. This statement came during a press conference on Tuesday, following talks with Scotland’s President Donald Trump where they addressed the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Starmer emphasized that unless the Israeli government commits to meaningful actions to end the dire situation in Gaza—including a ceasefire and a sustainable long-term peace—the UK intends to recognize Palestine during the UN General Assembly in September. He insisted that this should also involve the UN resuming aid supplies and clarifying that no annexation of the West Bank will occur.
He added that the message to Hamas remains unchanged: all hostages must be released immediately. Although, interestingly, he acknowledged it wouldn’t make sense for the UK to join any ceasefire negotiations or disarmament involving the Gaza government.
During the same meeting, Trump expressed opposition to Starmer’s position, indicating a lack of support for the UK’s recognition of Palestine. He noted that both Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron seem to be moving toward acknowledging a Palestinian state but clarified that agreement isn’t necessary from his side.
Trump mentioned that his administration would assess actions taken by both Israel and Hamas before the UNGA conference, meaning that ultimately, decisions regarding recognition would depend on developments leading up to that point.
Starmer’s motivation for this declaration appears to relate not just to altering conditions in Gaza but also to advocate for the release of more hostages. Responses from the Israeli Foreign Ministry have criticized Starmer’s comments, stating that the evolving stance of the UK government might reward Hamas and could complicate ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire or secure hostage releases.
This announcement from the UK follows Starmer’s discussions with Trump in Scotland. Trump had previously taken a stand against claims of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, dismissing reports as false narratives pushed by Hamas. He commented on a recent visit, observing the stark hunger displayed in Gaza, suggesting it was genuine rather than fabricated.
He pointed to America’s commitment to support Gaza, highlighting a recent $60 million aid package for food that, according to him, has gone largely unrecognized. He expressed frustration that European nations have not contributed similarly and remarked on the seeming lack of acknowledgment for US efforts in this area.
Israel has recently stepped up its aid distribution in Gaza, a move seen as necessary after previously tightening restrictions on aid flow. The Israeli Defense Forces have consistently claimed that Hamas has exploited incoming resources, a point echoed by both Trump and US officials.
