UK Sets September Deadline for Palestinian State Recognition Amid Gaza Crisis

Britain will formally recognize Palestinian statehood by September unless Israel meets ceasefire and humanitarian conditions, Prime Minister Starmer announces.

By Lubowa Babu Hussein

July 29, 2025 at 7:51 PM

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Key Takeaways

The UK has set a September 2024 deadline for officially recognizing Palestinian statehood, contingent on Israel making substantial progress in addressing the Gaza humanitarian crisis.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that recognition requires Israel to demonstrate 'substantive progress' to end 'unacceptable conditions' in Gaza, aligning with the Labour Party's two-state solution policy.
The decision prioritizes humanitarian improvements in Gaza, such as hostage releases and aid access, as key factors for advancing peace efforts.
The September deadline is driven by the deteriorating situation in Gaza and the diminishing prospects for a negotiated two-state settlement, forming part of a broader UK peace initiative.

The United Kingdom has unveiled plans to officially recognize Palestinian statehood by September 2024 unless Israel takes significant action to address the Gaza humanitarian crisis, Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Starmer emphasized that the move depends on Israel demonstrating "substantive progress" toward ending what he described as the "unacceptable conditions" in Gaza. The announcement aligns with the Labour Party's long-standing support for a two-state solution featuring a "secure Israel" coexisting with a "sovereign Palestinian nation."

"Our priority remains altering the devastating reality in Gaza through hostage releases and improved aid access," Starmer stated. "This decision aims to advance those objectives."

The Prime Minister cited two key factors driving the timeline: the deteriorating situation in Gaza and diminishing prospects for a negotiated two-state settlement. He clarified that the policy forms part of a broader peace initiative developed over several months by his administration.

When questioned about the conditional nature of the proposal, Starmer stressed that recognition would only proceed if current ground conditions show meaningful improvement. The September deadline coincides with the opening of the UN General Assembly session, where Palestinian statehood is expected to feature prominently in international discussions.