By Adam Woodward

Copyright euroweeklynews

In a much anticipated landmark move, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the formal recognition of the State of Palestine on Sunday, September 21, and described it as the “inalienable right of the Palestinian people” and a moral necessity to preserve peace prospects.

The decision, delivered via video message ahead of the UN General Assembly, is a seismic shift in UK foreign policy, bringing Britain in line with over 140 nations including Canada and Australia, that have already recognised Palestine as a state.

Starmer announces Palestinian recognition

Starmer’s announcement follows his July warning that recognition would proceed unless Israel met conditions laid down by the UK Government, including a Gaza ceasefire, commitment to a two-state solution, and restored UN aid being allowed in. Citing Israel’s failure to comply with those conditions, he pointed to the “intolerable” Gaza crisis, worsened by a recent ground operation on Gaza City. Described by a UN official as a “cataclysm”, the assault displaced thousands and, according to Hamas-run health authorities, killed 34 Palestinians on Saturday, September 20. Starmer condemned Israel’s “cruel tactics” and the “man-made humanitarian crisis,” speaking of starvation and chaos caused by a relentless bombardment and illegal West Bank settlement expansions, notably the E1 project, which threatens a viable Palestinian state.

Cooper says no to Hamas in Palestinian state future

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the decision a reflection of the UK’s “unwavering commitment to a two-state solution” based on 1967 borders with a shared Jerusalem capital. She stressed that “Hamas can have no role in Palestine’s future,” demanding the group release hostages and relinquish Gaza. “Recognition is one part of a wider push for peace,” Cooper said.

The move has provoked fierce reactions. Israel’s minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for annexing the West Bank, labelling the recognition a provocation. Israeli officials branded it a “reward for terrorism“, while US Republican leaders urged the UK to reconsider, claiming risks to Israel’s security. Conversely, pro-Palestinian groups celebrated it as a “courageous and consistent with international law“. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy noted that recognition hopes to keep the peace process alive, not instantly create a state.

With the recognition now official, there is still no word on whether the UK intends to take Palestinian refugees or where exactly the borders of the state of Palestine lie.