Egypt Daily News – In a move poised to reshape Britain’s diplomatic stance in the Middle East, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has informed his government of plans to recognize the State of Palestine as early as September, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly session, provided Israel fails to take what Downing Street has described as “substantive steps” to address the dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
This proposed recognition would mark a significant shift in British foreign policy and reflects growing international pressure on Israel to alleviate conditions in Gaza, which have been described by humanitarian organizations as catastrophic. Starmer’s position aligns with a broader strategic goal of preserving the viability of the two-state solution, which many observers believe is increasingly at risk.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the decision is not final and will be contingent on a thorough assessment of the commitments made by both Israel and the Palestinian authorities to advance toward peace and stability in the region. Starmer emphasized that the United Kingdom’s support for Israel’s security remains unwavering, clarifying that the UK continues to distinguish between the Israeli government and Hamas, the militant group that governs Gaza.
“We are not equating Israel with Hamas,” Starmer said, adding, “Our expectations from Hamas remain unchanged.”
However, Starmer also stressed that Britain cannot ignore the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. Since the start of the latest escalation, tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed or displaced, and access to essential services such as food, water, and medical care has been severely restricted. Calls for an immediate ceasefire and international intervention have intensified in recent months, both in Parliament and among the British public.
Diplomatic analysts suggest that Britain’s potential recognition of Palestine could influence other Western powers to follow suit, particularly if the Gaza crisis remains unresolved by September. While more than 140 countries have already recognized Palestine as a state, major Western nations, including the United States and most of the European Union have yet to take that step, typically citing the need for a negotiated settlement between the two sides.
By conditioning its recognition on measurable actions, Starmer’s government appears to be charting a middle course, signaling solidarity with Palestinian aspirations for statehood, while still maintaining key security alliances in the region.
As the clock ticks toward September, all eyes will be on developments in Gaza and the diplomatic corridors of London, Tel Aviv, and Ramallah. Whether Britain proceeds with recognition could depend not only on the situation on the ground but also on broader geopolitical shifts and the international community’s appetite for renewed engagement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
