Britain recognizes state of Palestine despite US objection

British PM Keir Starmer announced the UK’s recognition of Palestine, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and backing a two-state solution, despite US opposition. Canada, Australia, and Portugal also followed suit.

London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain has formally recognised the State of Palestine, affirming support for “the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination” and the two-state solution.

In a video announcement, he condemned “the man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” adding: “Tens of thousands have been killed, including thousands as they tried to collect food and water. This death and destruction horrifies us all. It must end.”

---

In a letter to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Starmer wrote: “A two-state solution remains the only pathway to a just and lasting peace for the region. I commend the important commitments you have made on reform and reiterate my support as you deliver them to build the Palestinian state.”

The Financial Times described Labour’s shift as a mix of principle and political calculation. In late July, Britain signalled it would act in September unless Israel took “substantive steps.” With Israel failing to meet these conditions, and growing pressure over Gaza from within Labour and the wider public, Starmer was ultimately pushed toward recognition.

That domestic pressure was reinforced by international outrage over Israel’s escalating attacks in Gaza, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials described a major offensive to “conquer” Gaza City, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to Gaza-based health authorities, the number of Palestinians killed by the Israeli army in Gaza since October 7, 2023, has surpassed 65,000.

Facing the deepening crisis, the British government said further action is needed. “Recognition is not enough on its own. We are also building consensus with leaders in the region and beyond around our Framework for Peace, a series of steps that can take us from a ceasefire to a permanent end to the conflict,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It added that while Britain’s support for Israel’s right to exist and the security of its people remains steadfast, Israel must halt its Gaza offensive, allow humanitarian aid, and end illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank.

However, the move has put Britain at odds with its closest ally, the United States. President Donald Trump voiced no support for Palestinian statehood, and during his state visit to Britain last week, he highlighted the divide, saying: “I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score.”

An editorial in The Guardian noted the strain this divergence revealed, arguing that Trump “could end this war with a phone call,” yet his administration “appears unshiftable, even as public support in the US plummets.”

Also on Sunday, Canada, Australia, and Portugal announced their recognition of the Palestinian state.