UK Prime Minister Starmer vows recognition at UN unless Israel commits to ceasefire and two‑state solution by September.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a landmark announcement, declared that the UK will recognize Palestinian statehood during the UN General Assembly in September—unless Israel halts its military operations in Gaza, agrees to a ceasefire, and commits to negotiating a two‑state solution. Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed this conditional stance at a recent UN conference, calling it a necessary step toward bringing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis under control.
The announcement arrives amid growing international criticism of Israel’s continued bombardment in Gaza and the severe shortages of food and medical supplies faced by the local population. Starmer emphasized that the recognition, while conditional, reflects the UK’s sustained support for a rights-based resolution to the conflict. Critics, particularly from France and international human rights groups, argue the UK should drop conditions and issue unconditional recognition to accelerate peace efforts.
Domestically, Starmer’s bold move has sparked debate within the UK across party lines. While members of his Labour Party criticize the policy as too restrained, opposition figures argue it could jeopardize diplomatic relations with Israel and the United States. Still, the announcement stands as a calculated diplomatic gamble—one signaling that the UK may be ready to diverge from traditional Western consensus on the Middle East.
Analysts suggest this policy shift may influence other European states grappling with how to respond to Gaza’s deteriorating conditions. As Starmer and Lammy prepare to take the UK’s position to the United Nations in September, the world watches whether the move will pressure Israel toward compromise or trigger further polarization.
I'm Adedayo Obadina
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