UK Poised to Recognise Palestinian State Amid Gaza Ceasefire Tensions

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The United Kingdom is preparing to recognise the state of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September, if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza and commit to a broader peace plan. The announcement, made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, places mounting international pressure on Israel amid escalating concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the long-stalled peace process.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Prime Minister Starmer stated, “Today, as part of this process towards peace, I can confirm the UK will recognise the state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution.” He also emphasised the need to allow the UN to resume humanitarian aid deliveries and for Israel to commit to halting annexations in the West Bank.

Starmer issued a stern warning to Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, demanding the immediate release of hostages, a commitment to a ceasefire, full disarmament, and a renunciation of any role in Gaza’s future governance. His statement was later reinforced in a written release by the prime minister’s office.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the move as “a reward for Hamas.” It argued that such actions undermine efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement and secure the release of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this, accusing Starmer of appeasing terrorism. “Starmer rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism & punishes its victims. A jihadist state on Israel’s border TODAY will threaten Britain TOMORROW,” Netanyahu posted on the social media platform X.

The UK’s announcement follows a similar commitment from French President Emmanuel Macron, who recently pledged to recognise Palestinian statehood at the same UN meeting. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot praised the UK’s decision, saying it adds to the growing international momentum for Palestinian recognition and urged renewed diplomatic efforts to end the cycle of violence in the region.

In contrast, the United States has firmly opposed these recognitions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described France’s decision as “reckless” and accused it of promoting Hamas propaganda, calling it an insult to the victims of the 7 October attacks.

Reports have also surfaced that Netanyahu is exploring the possibility of annexing parts of Gaza should Hamas reject ongoing ceasefire proposals. According to two sources cited by ABC News, Netanyahu is evaluating this and other options amid the breakdown of negotiations.

Just days earlier, Steve Witkoff, the US Special Envoy to the Middle East under President Donald Trump, announced the withdrawal of US negotiators from talks in Doha, Qatar. Witkoff criticised Hamas’s role in the stalled discussions, alleging the group is not acting in good faith. “While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” he wrote in a post on X.

Netanyahu voiced agreement, holding Hamas responsible for the failure of the negotiations and vowing to explore other means to secure the release of hostages. “Together with our US allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamas’s terror rule, and secure lasting peace for Israel and our region,” Netanyahu stated.

Hamas, in turn, accused the US and Israel of negotiating dishonestly and withdrew from the current format of discussions. The group claimed it had accepted the terms presented by mediators but was surprised by Israel’s retraction.

Meanwhile, the conflict in Gaza continues to exact a heavy toll. The Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health reports that over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 146,000 injured since the conflict reignited in October 2023. With a population of roughly 2.3 million before the war, this suggests approximately 9% of Gaza’s population has been either killed or wounded.

The ministry further reported that at least 147 Palestinians, including 88 children, have died from causes related to malnutrition. However, Netanyahu refuted claims of deliberate starvation policies, asserting that Israel has consistently allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza and placing blame on Hamas for obstructing its distribution.

“Hamas robs, steals this humanitarian aid and then accuses Israel of not supplying it,” Netanyahu said during remarks in Jerusalem. However, a presentation reviewed by ABC News from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) did not find conclusive evidence that Hamas has widely diverted aid.

A separate report released Tuesday by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warned that Gaza is already experiencing the worst-case scenario of famine, with access to essential goods deteriorating to unprecedented levels.

As the UN General Assembly approaches, the question of Palestinian recognition has become a flashpoint in global diplomacy. While the UK and France signal a shift toward acknowledging Palestinian statehood, others, including the US and Israel, argue such moves risk emboldening terrorist groups and complicating already fragile negotiations. The outcome in September could mark a significant turning point in the decades-long conflict.