LONDON — In a landmark decision, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom will officially recognize the state of Palestine, fulfilling a commitment made to Labour party members. This significant step aligns Britain with France and several other nations gathering this week at the United Nations in New York.
Canada and Australia have also declared their recognition of Palestinian statehood, joining the majority of United Nations member countries. Portugal intends to follow suit later on the same day.
“Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine,”
Starmer stated in a social media post on Sunday. He had previously assured that recognition would come in September if a ceasefire had not been established in Gaza, where recent events have seen an escalation of Israel’s military efforts against Hamas, including a new ground offensive in Gaza City.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Canada recognizes the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
International Reactions and Implications
Prior to these announcements, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong opposition, asserting that Israel would not “commit suicide” by accepting a Palestinian state due to European political pressures. He emphasized, “We will also have to fight at the U.N. and in all other arenas against the false propaganda directed at us and the calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state — which would endanger our existence and constitute an absurd reward for terror.”
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to travel to New York to present the United Kingdom’s formal declaration at the U.N. General Assembly. Starmer has chosen to remain in the U.K. to address various domestic issues, including ongoing questions surrounding his leadership.
The U.K.’s recognition comes after a diplomatic initiative spearheaded by French President Emmanuel Macron, who is scheduled to co-chair a conference at the U.N. on Monday regarding a two-state solution. This decision also reflects mounting domestic pressure within Britain.
Palestinian Response and Future Prospects
Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin expressed gratitude for the recognition of Palestinian statehood. She remarked, “It is a move bringing us closer to sovereignty and independence. It might not end the war tomorrow, but it’s a move forward, which we need to build on and amplify,” alluding to the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza.
Starmer has consistently advocated for Palestinian statehood but initially refrained from setting a timeline for official recognition until he faced increasing demands for action from various factions within the Labour Party, including members of his own Cabinet.
This topic emerged as a notable point of contention during a recent visit by Donald Trump to the U.K. The U.S. president acknowledged it as “one of our few disagreements” during a joint press conference with Starmer at Chequers. Nevertheless, Trump refrained from reprimanding Starmer and even praised him while labeling Hamas “a terrorist organization who can have no part in any future governance in Palestine.”
In addition to showcasing solidarity with the Palestinian people, Starmer hopes that this decision will help alleviate tensions at the upcoming Labour Party annual conference, an important event that will serve as a barometer of his leadership standing.