Key Facts
• On July 29, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced potential recognition of Palestine.
• Recognition will occur before the September UN General Assembly if no ceasefire is reached.
• UK would become the second G7 nation, after France, to recognize Palestine.
• Conditions for delay include Israel ending Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and agreeing to a ceasefire.
• Israel must also clarify it has no intention to annex the West Bank.
• Starmer’s Labor Party pledged Palestinian state recognition during the July 2024 general election.
• Starmer views recognition as a step toward lasting peace.
• The announcement follows France’s leadership in advocating a two-state solution.
Summary
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on July 29 that the UK will recognize Palestine as a state before the September UN General Assembly if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire. This would make the UK the second G7 nation, after France, to take this step. Starmer outlined conditions for delaying recognition, including Israel addressing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, agreeing to a ceasefire, and clarifying its stance against annexing the West Bank. The Labor Party, under Starmer’s leadership, previously committed to recognizing Palestine as part of its 2024 election platform. Starmer emphasized that recognition is a step toward achieving sustainable peace in the region.
