The UK is preparing to formally recognise the state of Palestine this week after Israel failed to meet conditions that could have postponed the move, including a ceasefire in Gaza. UK Prime Minister Keir
Starmer said the decision was unrelated to US President’s state visit to Britain this week, despite Donald Trump asserting that he disagreed with the move.
UK Insists No Role For Hamas
The UK government expects sharp criticism from Israel, including accusations that recognition amounts to a reward for Hamas and terrorism. Keir Starmer rejected that framing, insisting Britain envisages only a Palestinian state in which Hamas is disarmed and excluded from governance.
“Hamas are terrorists and there will be no place for them,” Keir Starmer said, adding that recognition was part of a broader roadmap toward a secure Israel and a viable Palestinian state. He said the UK’s position aligned with Donald Trump on the need for a clear peace process.
Recognition will be accompanied by conditions: elections within a year for the leadership of the Palestinian Authority and a requirement that Hamas play no part in future government.
UK Shift After French Move
For years, the UK Foreign Office resisted recognition, arguing the step should come only when it had maximum impact on the peace process. But consultations with France- which recognised Palestine in July- led to a policy shift. Keir Starmer delayed his announcement until after private talks with Donald Trump in Scotland and after offering Israel conditions that might have stalled recognition, such as resuming humanitarian aid, halting land annexations in the West Bank and engaging in a peace process. With those conditions unmet, recognition became a question of timing rather than substance.
Israel’s recent strikes in Gaza and its bombing of Qatar last week have heightened tensions. Donald Trump himself has expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire.
