The United Kingdom has formally recognised the state of Palestine, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on 21 September, positioning the UK alongside Canada and Australia in a major diplomatic realignment on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The recognition follows a similar announcement earlier that day by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who stated, “Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
Australia has also confirmed its recognition of a Palestinian state, joining Canada in the first wave of such acknowledgements among G7 nations.
In his address, Starmer said the UK’s decision was aimed at keeping alive the possibility of peace.
“Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly — as Prime Minister of this great country — that the United Kingdom formally recognises the state of Palestine,” he said.
He emphasised that peace required “a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state — at the moment we have neither.”
Sharp condemnation of Gaza crisis
Starmer used the occasion to condemn the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, describing the situation as a “manmade crisis” with intolerable levels of suffering.
“The starvation and devastation are utterly intolerable,” he said. “Tens of thousands have been killed, including people as they collect food and water.”
The Prime Minister added that while the UK has supported humanitarian aid efforts and facilitated the evacuation of some injured children, “nowhere near enough aid is getting through.”
He directly urged Israel to end its restrictions: “Stop these cruel tactics and let the aid surge in.”
Israel denies imposing restrictions on humanitarian aid access.
Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/yrg6Lywc1s
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 21, 2025
Genocide allegations against Israel
The recognition comes days after a United Nations commission of inquiry concluded that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The report found that four of the five acts defined as genocide under international law have occurred since the war with Hamas began in October 2023:
- Killing members of a group
- Causing serious bodily and mental harm
- Inflicting life conditions calculated to destroy the group
- Preventing births within the group
The commission cited repeated statements by Israeli political and military leaders and a pattern of military conduct as evidence of genocidal intent.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected the findings, calling the report “distorted and false.”
Death toll surpasses 65,000
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that at least 65,283 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its military offensive in October 2023. The figures were released on Sunday and cited by Anadolu Agency.
The toll continues to rise amid reports of blocked humanitarian access and the destruction of critical infrastructure across the Gaza Strip.
A coordinated shift among Western allies
The UK’s announcement closely followed the decision by Canada — the first G7 nation to recognise Palestine — and was joined by a similar declaration from Australia.
Together, the three countries mark a significant break from longstanding diplomatic caution among Western powers regarding unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Starmer noted that the UK now joins over 150 countries that recognise Palestine.
“This is a pledge to the Palestinian and Israeli people that there can be a better future,” he said. He warned against allowing the conflict to fuel hatred, both abroad and domestically.
“We have seen it on our streets, in our schools, and in conversations we have had with friends and family,” he said. “It has created division; some have used it to stoke hatred and fear, but that solves nothing.”
He stressed the need to reject hate and redouble efforts to combat it in all its forms.
Hostages and Hamas
The Prime Minister reiterated his demand for Hamas to release all remaining hostages in Gaza immediately.
He said he had met with British families of those taken hostage and described their ongoing pain as “torture they endure each and every day.”
Starmer also sought to make clear that the recognition of Palestine was not an endorsement of Hamas.
“Our call for a genuine two-state solution is the exact opposite of Hamas’s hateful vision,” he said.
“This solution is not a reward for Hamas — because it means Hamas can have no future, no role in government, and no role in security.”
Towards a two-state solution
Concluding his remarks, Starmer urged nations to “channel our efforts” toward building the peaceful future that both Palestinians and Israelis deserve.
The two-state solution, he said, remains “the best hope for peace and security for all sides.”
The UK’s recognition is likely to increase pressure on other Western powers, particularly EU states and the United States, to clarify their positions amid growing international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
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