Starmer recognises a Palestinian state, prompting debate over hostage crisis and regional stability

Labour leader Keir Starmer has recognised a Palestinian state, a move the party says is part of pursuing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The announcement, delivered in a speech on Monday, immediately drew pushback from supporters of Israel, as well as from critics who say that recognition without securing hostages' release could undermine regional security and the ongoing fight against Hamas.

Starmer argued that recognising a state of Palestine is a moral duty and a step toward peace that could revive negotiations. He linked the move to the broader aim of establishing a lasting two-state solution. He did not condition recognition on the immediate or unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas, which dates back to the 2023-2024 conflict. Hamas began that conflict by killing around 1,200 Israelis and abducting about 250 more; as of today, up to 48 of the hostages remain unaccounted for and are believed to be held in Gaza tunnels or bunkers. Critics say the decision could be seen as rewarding the group for the abduction and violence.

Starmer outlined that the envisioned Palestinian state would be governed by a reformed Palestinian Authority, with Hamas excluded. Critics question how such a system would be enforced and warn that the move could raise the risk of new groups adopting Hamas's aims under different names. They also point to the political reality in the West Bank, where Fatah controls parts of the territory and has not held legislative elections in two decades, raising concerns about governance and legitimacy in any future state.

Analysts say the move could complicate relations with Israel and affect intelligence-sharing and security cooperation, both of which have been central to Western support for stability in the region. Proponents say the step is intended to unlock diplomacy and move toward a two-state outcome; opponents say it risks alienating allies and fueling a divisive domestic political dynamic in Britain. A right-leaning Daily Mail column framed Starmer's decision as a betrayal of Gaza hostages and argued that recognition should not be advanced without a clear path to securing their release. The column described the move as a reward for violence and warned it would hamper peace prospects.

The move comes as the Gaza crisis persists, with international diplomats urging restraint and pursuing humanitarian aid and negotiations. Observers note that any lasting settlement will require security guarantees, guarantees for the safety of civilians on both sides, and credible institutions capable of delivering governance beyond slogans about two states. The question is whether a formal recognition by a major Western political party can translate into added leverage to secure the return of hostages and a viable peace process, or whether it will deepen a rift over how best to proceed.