UK Announces Plan to Recognize Palestine as a State by September Amid Gaza Crisis

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

UK Sets Deadline for Palestinian Statehood Recognition

The United Kingdom has declared its intention to formally recognize Palestine as a state by September if Israel does not cease its military offensive in Gaza. The announcement was made by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Starmer emphasized that the recognition could occur before the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York. He outlined key conditions for Israel, including an immediate ceasefire, halting annexation plans in the occupied West Bank, and committing to a two-state solution.

UK’s Stance on Israel-Hamas Conflict

A government statement clarified the UK’s position: “[Starmer] reiterated that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas and that our demands on Hamas remain, that they must release all the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, accept that they will play no role in the government of Gaza, and disarm.”

While previous UK administrations have expressed support for Palestinian statehood in principle, this marks the first time a British government has attached specific deadlines and explicit preconditions to the recognition process.

Israel’s Strong Reaction

Israel has vehemently opposed the UK’s announcement, arguing that such recognition would undermine ceasefire efforts. This criticism comes despite Israel breaking the last negotiated ceasefire in March. Prime Minister Starmer reportedly informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the plan during a phone call before making it public.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The political developments coincide with growing international concern over Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe. A recent United Nations-backed report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reveals alarming statistics:

• More than one in three Gazans are enduring days without food
• Widespread starvation and malnutrition are causing hunger-related deaths
• The entire population of 2.1 million Palestinians faces severe food insecurity

The IPC warned: “This is the worst-case scenario of famine unfolding in Gaza. Only immediate action to end hostilities and unimpeded, large-scale humanitarian access can stop further deaths and catastrophic human suffering.”

Mounting Casualties in the Conflict

Hamas has reported staggering casualty figures from the ongoing war:

• 60,034 Palestinians killed
• 145,870 injured

These numbers underscore the devastating human cost of the conflict as international pressure mounts for a resolution.

For more details, read the original article at The Syndicate.