UK to Recognise Palestine by September if Israel Fails to Act

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer

In a bold shift in foreign policy, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will officially recognise a Palestinian state in September 2025, unless Israel takes significant steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and revive the prospects of peace.

Delivering the statement during a press conference after an emergency cabinet meeting, Starmer cited the “intolerable situation” in Gaza and the fast-diminishing possibility of a two-state solution as critical reasons behind the UK’s planned move at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.

According to Starmer, the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state is no longer conditional solely on the success of a peace process, but now on Israel's immediate actions. The UK’s formal recognition will proceed unless Israel:

• Agrees to a full and immediate ceasefire

• Commits to a sustainable, long-term peace framework that revives the two-state solution

• Allows the United Nations to resume humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza

• Publicly guarantees that no further annexations will occur in the West Bank

“The status quo is indefensible,” said the Prime Minister. “Our primary aim is to improve conditions on the ground in Gaza and to preserve the very possibility of peace.”

The UK government has traditionally maintained that recognition of a Palestinian state should happen at a moment when it can exert maximum diplomatic leverage. However, intensifying calls from within Parliament, especially from Labour MPs, and the urgency of the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza have accelerated the timeline.

This move follows France’s recent announcement that it would also recognise a Palestinian state by September, making it the first G7 nation to take that step. The UK’s alignment with France signals a growing consensus in Europe that more assertive diplomacy is needed in response to Israel’s military operations and humanitarian blockades.

While the spotlight remains on Israel, Starmer was clear that Palestinian militant group Hamas also has a responsibility. He called on Hamas to:

• Immediately release all hostages

• Commit to a permanent ceasefire

• Fully disarm

• Renounce any role in the future governance of Gaza

“There can be no sustainable peace while extremist factions hold sway,” Starmer emphasized. “A lasting resolution requires compromise, commitment, and courage on both sides.”

Starmer reiterated Britain’s long-standing support for a two-state solution, calling for “a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.” But he warned that this vision is now “under pressure like never before.”

The UK government sees recognition of Palestinian statehood not as an end in itself, but as a diplomatic tool to reignite peace negotiations, restore balance, and bolster international law in one of the world's most protracted conflicts.

• September Deadline: If Israel fails to act, the UK will recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly.

• Policy Shift: Marks a departure from previous UK doctrine that tied recognition strictly to peace talks.

• Global Momentum: Adds the UK to a growing list of Western nations pushing for a resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

• Diplomatic Pressure: Raises the stakes for both Israeli and Palestinian leaderships to engage in good-faith dialogue.