The UK government is poised to formally recognise a Palestinian state, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer expected to make the announcement during a statement on Sunday afternoon.
The decision represents a major departure from the UK’s long-held position that recognition should follow a peace agreement. Starmer previously warned that if Israel did not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza and show commitment to a long-term two-state solution, Britain would reconsider its stance.
Israel has firmly rejected the idea, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arguing that recognition would “reward terror.” Families of hostages still held in Gaza have also voiced anger, fearing the move could make negotiations more difficult.
Despite the backlash, UK ministers say they have a moral responsibility to keep hopes of peace alive. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy explained that while recognition would not immediately end the conflict, it reaffirmed Britain’s support for a two-state solution and the Palestinian right to self-determination.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been described as “intolerable,” with recent Israeli operations forcing hundreds of thousands to flee and sparking international outrage. Reports of starvation and mounting casualties have intensified calls for global action.
Palestinian leaders welcomed the announcement. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, hailed it as an overdue correction of history, while Husam Zomlot, Palestine’s UK envoy, described it as an “inalienable right” that acknowledged the existence of the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, reactions in the UK remain divided. Critics accuse Starmer of bowing to internal political pressure, while supporters—including Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey—say recognition is long overdue and essential for reviving peace talks.
The UK joins a growing list of nations moving toward recognition, including Portugal, France, Canada, and Australia, following similar steps by Spain, Ireland, and Norway last year. Currently, around three-quarters of UN member states recognise Palestine, though its borders, capital, and governance remain contested.
For Britain, the announcement signals not only a diplomatic shift but also a renewed push for a two-state solution in one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.