Starmer to announce formal recognition of Palestine as a state
The prime minister said in July his government would make the move if Israel failed to meet a series of conditions.
Saturday 20 September 2025 22:36, UK
The UK will formally recognise Palestine as a state, it is understood.
Sir Keir Starmer is expected to make the announcement on Sunday after he said in July that the government would make the move unless Israel met certain conditions.
The prime minister had called on Benjamin Netanyahu's government to take substantive steps to end the "appalling situation in Gaza", agree to a ceasefire, commit to a long-term sustainable peace, allow the UN to restart the supply of aid, and not annex the West Bank.
The Israeli foreign ministry furiously rejected his statement, with Mr Netanyahu claiming that "Starmer rewards Hamas's monstrous terrorism and punishes its victims".
There has been no ceasefire, and the situation in Gaza has deteriorated, with a declaration of a famine in Gaza City and the expansion of Israeli military operations.
Israel has launched a major ground offensive to seize all of Gaza City and destroy Hamas in an operation which has prompted widespread condemnation, with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper calling it "utterly reckless and appalling".
Earlier this month, a UN commission of inquiry concluded that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel said the claim was "distorted and false".
The UK will join 147 of the 193 members of the UN who recognise Palestine ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday.
Other nations, including France, Australia and Canada, have said they plan to take the same step at the UN gathering as part of a broad international effort to put pressure on Israel.
During a joint news conference with the prime minister at Chequers on Thursday, Donald Trump said he disagreed with recognition, and US politicians have urged the UK and other allies to reverse their stance.
Paste BN understands that Israel is considering options in response to the UK's decision, but the strength of that reaction is still under consideration.
Read more:
Palestinian minister says UK recognition of state would be 'courageous step'
What does recognising a Palestinian state mean?
Gaza could be 'real estate bonanza', Israeli minister says
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Family members of some of the 48 hostages still in captivity, after Hamas and other militant groups stormed into Israel on 7 October 2023, have written an open letter to Sir Keir, condemning the move.
"Hamas has already celebrated the UK's decision as a victory and reneged on a ceasefire deal," they said.
"We write to you with a simple plea - do not take this step until our loved ones are home and in our arms."
The UK government is understood to be looking at further sanctions on Hamas, and has demanded the group release all hostages, agree to an immediate ceasefire, accept it will have no role in governing Gaza, and commit to disarmament.