UK recognises Palestinian state as part of push for two-state peace

The United Kingdom formally recognised the State of Palestine, a move announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as part of a broader effort to revive the prospect of a negotiated two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians.

The decision is pitched as a way to keep alive the possibility of peace and a framework in which Israelis can live in security alongside a viable Palestinian state. Officials emphasized that, at present, neither side enjoys that outcome, and the recognition is presented as a step toward transforming the political process to produce a lasting settlement rather than a symbolic gesture.

In the public statement, the prime minister underscored the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the imperative of preventing further suffering. The move comes as concerns rise about the humanitarian toll in Gaza and the broader risks posed by expanding conflict in the region. The government stressed that the recognition is not a reward for any party, and officials reiterated that it is intended to support a practical path to peace rather than to endorse violence.

Hamas was labelled a brutal terror organisation in the framing of Britain’s stance. Officials said that a genuine two-state solution cannot be advanced while Hamas remains in control of any legitimate security apparatus or political influence. The government signaled that it would intensify sanctions on Hamas and would extend measures to additional Hamas figures in the coming weeks, signaling a broader effort to isolate the group internationally while pursuing a political track toward statehood for the Palestinians.

The decision coincides with a stark warning about the human costs of the war in Gaza. The government noted that the Israeli government's bombardment and blockade have driven a man-made humanitarian crisis to a new depth, with tens of thousands killed and many more displaced or left without access to food and water. The statement also highlighted the difficulty of aid deliveries, noting that despite international support, aid flows into Gaza remain far below what is needed to meet urgent humanitarian needs.

Britain reported progress on humanitarian help, including the evacuation of the first group of sick and injured children to receive treatment in the United Kingdom’s National Health Service. Officials said the government would continue to increase humanitarian support, though they acknowledged that the current level of aid is not enough to meet the scale of the crisis. The UK urged the Israeli government to lift restrictions at the borders and to allow a surge of life-saving aid into Gaza, stressing that humanitarian relief should not be impeded by political or military considerations.

In announcing recognition, the government outlined a framework for peace that it described as practical and achievable. The plan centers on reforming the Palestinian Authority, strengthening governance and security arrangements, and moving from a temporary ceasefire in Gaza toward negotiations that would establish a two-state solution accepted by both peoples. Officials said this approach builds on commitments laid out in July, when Britain set out the terms under which it would act in line with its manifesto to recognise Palestinian statehood. Today those terms are described as fulfilled, with the formal recognition signaling a new phase in British diplomacy.

The government said it would maintain ongoing contact with regional and international partners to build consensus around the peace framework and to marshal support for steps that bring Israelis and Palestinians closer to genuine coexistence. This includes coordinating with others in the Middle East and with United Nations and European Union allies to ensure that security concerns are addressed while humanitarian and development needs are met.

Context for the move includes long-standing British support for a two-state solution and a commitment to Israel’s right to security. Britain emphasized that recognition of Palestine does not negate the historic connection many in Britain and around the world have with Israel, a state established more than 75 years ago. Instead, it is framed as a way to reinforce the international norm that Palestinians deserve self-determination in a sovereign state alongside Israel, a goal that many governments and international bodies have endorsed in various forms over the years.

The decision also arrived at a moment of heightened tensions on the ground. Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank has continued to accelerate, complicating diplomatic efforts and fueling concern about the viability of a negotiated settlement. While leaders in London stressed that a two-state solution remains the best path to peace and security for both peoples, they warned that progress will require difficult compromises and sustained international engagement to prevent further cycles of violence.

Security and hostage concerns remained at the center of public and political messaging. The statement noted that hostages taken during the October attacks remain in captivity and that their release is a global priority. The government reaffirmed its view that a lasting peace must address the safety and dignity of all civilians affected by the conflict, including those experiencing trauma in both Israel and the Palestinian territories. The resolution of hostage situations is presented as a necessary precondition for renewed negotiations rather than a distraction from broader political goals.

As part of its diplomatic outreach, Britain said it would work with regional leaders and international partners to maintain momentum toward a credible peace process. The recognition is presented not as a standalone act but as part of a broader strategy to mobilize regional support for a negotiated settlement, deter violence, and create a pathway toward a sustainable two-state arrangement that fulfills the aspirations of both peoples while preserving regional stability.

The announcement drew mixed reactions abroad, with supporters arguing that formal recognition strengthens the international framework for a Palestinian state and helps reframe the regional context for peace. Critics cautioned that recognition could harden positions on the ground and complicate security dynamics in an already volatile area. In Britain, representatives from political parties stressed the importance of maintaining protective measures for both Israeli and Palestinian civilians and ensuring that humanitarian relief remains a central priority.

In closing, the prime minister urged the public to reject hatred in all its forms and to support constructive engagement aimed at preventing further violence. He affirmed that the United Kingdom would continue to engage with regional players and international partners to advance a practical peace process and to keep the door open for negotiations on a two-state solution. The overarching message was one of cautious optimism: recognition signals a renewed British commitment to a political framework in which both Israelis and Palestinians can aspire to security, dignity, and the chance to rebuild their lives free from fear and suffering.