The United Kingdom will formally recognize the State of Palestine in September unless Israel takes "substantive" steps to end the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Tuesday. At a news conference in London, Starmer said the UK's longstanding policy aims to realize the vision of a "safe and secure" Israel alongside a "viable and sovereign" Palestinian state. He stressed that the current situation in Gaza was "intolerable" and that the two-state solution is "receding." "This decision has been under consideration for some time as part of a broader peace plan," Starmer said, reaffirming Labour's enduring commitment to Palestinian statehood. Asked about the conditional nature of the move, Starmer emphasized that the UK's immediate priority is to change the situation on the ground — including the release of hostages and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. "This step is intended to support that goal and create momentum toward a credible peace process," he added. The UK joins a growing list of European countries signaling support for Palestinian recognition, amid mounting international pressure for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. — Agencies
