Keir Starmer is set to announce that the UK will officially recognize Palestinian statehood today. The Prime Minister had pledged to make this declaration in July if the situation in Gaza did not improve, and it seems that the conditions have indeed deteriorated significantly, with disturbing images of violence, starvation, and hardship emerging.
The announcement will precede Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy formally acknowledging Palestine’s statehood at the United Nations on Monday. Back in July, Starmer had demanded that Hamas release hostages, agree to a ceasefire, disarm, and renounce any involvement in governing Gaza, requirements that remain unchanged.
Recent reports had suggested a delay in the announcement until after Donald Trump’s state visit, a claim Starmer refuted during a press conference at Chequers. He emphasized that recognizing Palestine is not a reward for Hamas, reiterating that Hamas, as a terrorist organization, should have no role in Palestine’s governance.
Addressing concerns about the timing of the recognition, Starmer clarified that the decision was made independently of the state visit and discussed with President Trump. He stressed his stance against Hamas’s opposition to a two-state solution and peace efforts.
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