UK Plans Recognition if Ceasefire and Peace Commitments Met
The United Kingdom will recognise the state of Palestine at the UN General Assembly by this September unless Israel halts its genocidal military campaign in Gaza and commits to a two-state solution. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision after recalling his cabinet from summer recess to approve an eight-point peace roadmap.
The plan includes conditions such as a sustained ceasefire, no annexation in the West Bank, and a framework for long-term peace negotiations. Starmer cited the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the diminishing possibility of a two-state solution as driving factors behind the move. Over 60,000 people have died in Gaza since October 2023, nearly half of them women and children, according to local health authorities.
Public support in the UK for Palestinian statehood has grown, with recent polling showing nearly 50% in favour. Starmer spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to the announcement. Israel’s foreign ministry rejected the UK’s decision, calling it a “reward for Hamas.” The UK has maintained that recognition will proceed based on conditions met by both parties and reiterated its call for Hamas to disarm, release hostages, and accept a ceasefire.
Canada Follows with Its Own Conditions
A day after the UK’s announcement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that Canada would also recognise a Palestinian state by September, contingent on reforms by the Palestinian Authority. These include holding democratic elections and ensuring Hamas has no future role in governance.
Carney said the status quo was no longer sustainable, citing Israel’s continued settlement expansion and the scale of destruction in Gaza. Canada’s decision has drawn criticism from Israel and the US. President Donald Trump warned that the move could affect trade talks between Canada and the US, while Israel’s foreign ministry called it damaging to ceasefire efforts.
Despite this, Carney emphasised that Canada’s decision was independent and driven by the urgent need for a viable political solution. He spoke directly with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas ahead of the announcement.
Growing Diplomatic Shift in the West
France, the UK, and Canada have now all announced plans to formally recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN, signalling a broader diplomatic shift among Western allies. If they follow through, the US will be the only permanent UN Security Council member not to do so.
The recognition efforts come as Israel faces growing international criticism over its military campaign in Gaza and obstruction of humanitarian aid. UN agencies warn of a famine, and aid groups report widespread starvation.
While symbolic, recognition by major G7 nations adds diplomatic pressure on Israel and signals a shift in the global approach to the long-stalled peace process. Whether these moves alter the situation on the ground remains uncertain ahead of the September UN meeting.
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Read the statement by the UK Government here.
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