The United Kingdom is preparing to recognize a sovereign Palestinian state if Israel does not make progress in ending the conflict in Gaza.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the surprise decision on Tuesday in a written handout at a meeting of his Cabinet.
The U.K. will join France in extending recognition at the September meeting of the United Nations General Assembly “unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, reaches a ceasefire, makes clear there will be no annexation in the West Bank, and commits to a long-term peace process that delivers a two-state solution.”
Starmer said the country’s long-term goal is ensuring Israel remains “safe and secure” while Palestinians are given a nation that is “viable and sovereign.”
His proposed two-state solution would require Hamas to release all Israeli hostages, accept an immediate ceasefire, and relinquish any claims to continued operations in the Palestinian territories.
MACRON ANNOUNCES FRANCE WILL RECOGNIZE PALESTINIAN STATE AT UN
Starmer’s decision follows French President Emmanuel Macron‘s announcement that his nation will similarly recognize Palestinian sovereignty.
“True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,” Macron wrote. “I will make the solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September.”
“The urgency today is to end the war in Gaza and to provide aid to the civilian population,” he continued. “Peace is possible.”
While less powerful European nations such as Ireland and Norway have recognized a sovereign Palestinian state, support from France and the U.K. would be an unprecedented development for the movement in the West.
Starmer’s decision also comes a day after he met President Donald Trump in Scotland. Trump said during his meeting with Starmer that he disagreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assessment that there is no starvation in Gaza.
When asked if he agreed with Netanyahu’s assessment, Trump replied: “Based on television, I would say not particularly, because those children look very hungry.”