UK will recognise state of Palestine by September unless Israel meets conditions

The UK will recognise the state of Palestine by September, at the UN General Assembly, unless Israel agrees to a peace plan based on a two-state solution and the free flow of aid into Gaza.

Hamas must also agree to a ceasefire and to release remaining hostages.

“Palestinian statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. It is not in the gift of any neighbour and is also essential to the long-term security of Israel,” Downing Street said.

“We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to a renewed peace process which results in a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced mounting calls in recent weeks to recognise Palestinian statehood immediately.

Downing Street previously said Starmer was working with France and Germany to “bring about a lasting peace” with US President Donald Trump.

Starmer plans to share details with Arab states and other key allies in the coming days.

Recognition of a Palestinian state is supported by more than 200 MPs and was a commitment in Labour’s election manifesto.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman previously said: “This week, the Prime Minister is focused on a pathway to peace to ensure immediate relief for those on the ground, and a sustainable route to a two-state solution.

“We are clear that the recognition of the Palestinian state is a matter of when, not if, but it must be one of the steps on the path to a two-state solution as part of a wider plan that delivers lasting security for both Palestinians and Israelis.”

First Minister John Swinney has welcomed the announcement and urged Israel to agree to a ceasefire.

He said: “Having called on the UK Government to recognise the State of Palestine, I welcome the intent behind this announcement. However, recognition of a Palestinian state should be irreversible. Recognition must not be conditional and must be backed by sanctions against Israel if the violence continues.

“Israel must today agree to a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid to flow in much more volume to address the starvation being faced in Gaza.

“A two-state solution is the only way that the Palestinian and Israeli peoples can have a future, living side-by-side in peace and security. The Palestinian people deserve no less.

“This announcement comes on the day that the number of deaths reported passed 60,000, a truly horrific milestone that shames us all. The Israeli government must commit to end the killing and comply with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes. We must see the unconditional release of all hostages.”

Amid international alarm over starvation in Gaza, Israel announced at the weekend that it would suspend fighting in three areas for ten hours a day and open secure routes for aid delivery.