UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended his proposal to recognise a Palestinian state, saying the move is aimed at addressing the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reviving hopes for a two-state solution, as reported by The Independent.
Speaking to Channel 5, Starmer said there was a «sense of revulsion» among the British public over the suffering in Gaza and confirmed that the UK is prepared to formally recognise a Palestinian state as early as September, unless Israel meets a series of conditions. These include the implementation of a ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid and a credible pathway toward renewed peace talks.
«This is about doing all we can to alleviate the awful situation on the ground in Gaza,» Starmer said. «We need aid in volume and at scale. The British public can see the images of starvation, and there is a strong sense of revulsion about what they’re witnessing.»
However, the Prime Minister stressed that the move is not intended to benefit Hamas, which he described as a terrorist organisation.
«They should release the hostages immediately and must play absolutely no part in the governance of Palestine at any point,» he added, referring to the hostages still held following the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Starmer’s comments have provoked criticism from both the Israeli government and domestic political opponents. Israeli ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, said Hamas’s actions «must never be rewarded.»
Meanwhile, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said, «Keir Starmer has made a mistake. What we need to focus on now is a ceasefire and getting the hostages home.»
A protest against Starmer’s stance is scheduled for this weekend in London. Among those expected to attend are British relatives of hostages still held by Hamas, who argue that recognition of Palestine should not be discussed until all captives are released.
Despite mounting political pressure, Starmer maintained that the recognition plan is part of a broader diplomatic strategy to restore stability and keep the two-state solution on the international agenda.
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