UK May Recognize Palestine After Gaza Ceasefire, Says Prime Minister Starmer
Following mounting pressure from members of the British Parliament to recognize the State of Palestine, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that Britain may move toward formal recognition, after a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza.
In a video message shared on the X (formerly Twitter) on Friday (July 25), Starmer said his government is working closely with its allies to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. He added that once that goal is achieved, the recognition of a Palestinian state could follow.
“Recognition of Palestine must be a clear step toward turning a ceasefire into lasting peace,” he said, emphasizing that such a move would only come within the context of a broader, long-term peace settlement.
Starmer’s remarks come just a day after French President Emmanuel Macron formally announced that France will recognize the State of Palestine. In a signed statement posted on his official Facebook page, Macron addressed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, stating that France will make its recognition official at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September.
France’s decision has intensified political debate across Europe, prompting members of the UK Parliament to increase pressure on Starmer’s government to follow sut.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced yesterday that peace talks with Hamas have been suspended. Both leaders warned that alternative measures will be taken to dismantle group and secure the release of hostages.