UK’s Starmer Threatens to Recognize Palestinian State Unless Israel Winds Down Gaza Conflict

The British PM said London would recognize Palestinian statehood unless Israel agrees to a cease-fire and improves humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes an address following an emergency Cabinet meeting on Gaza at 10 Downing Street in London on July 29, 2025. Toby Melville/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on July 29 that his government would recognize a Palestinian state by September unless Israel agrees to a cease-fire and to improve humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, Starmer said the United Kingdom has long supported a plan to eventually recognize a Palestinian state and said such a state is “the inalienable right of the Palestinian people.”