The UK has made a bold move in the Middle East peace saga. In a video posted on X, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain now officially recognises the State of england/palestine/”>Palestine. His message? To "revive the hope/”>hope-england/”>hope of peace for Palestinians and Israelis" and push for a two-state solution.
This comes just before the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%% General Assembly this %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_1%%week, following similar decisions by Australia and %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%%. The timing is no accident.
Peace Symbolism Over Practical Impact
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admits that recognising Palestine won't immediately ease Gaza's humanitarian crisis or free hostages taken by Hamas. But Starmer insists the move is crucial to protect the future of a two-state solution – with both %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%% and Palestine existing side by side.
"Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two state solution, the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_5%% formally recognises the State of Palestine." – Keir Starmer, 21 September 2025
London Mayor Backs Starmer's Bold Step
London Mayor %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_6%% threw his weight behind the decision. Speaking to the PA news agency, Khan said:
"It's really important this happens. It sends a clear message to the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_7%%, who have been acting outrageously in recent years."
"It signals support for the two-state solution – something made difficult by the Israeli government's behaviour in Gaza."
"Recognition boosts other countries' confidence to follow suit."
Khan also stressed the symbolic importance for Palestinians in Gaza, telling reporters it shows the world they are "not suffering in silence" and "haven't been forgotten." He called the situation in Gaza "inescapable" genocide.
Netanyahu Slams UK Move as "Absurd"
Predictably, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's camp fired back. His spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian slammed the UK's recognition as "absurd" and "a reward for terrorism."
Bedrosian insisted Hamas wants to wipe Israel off the map, not share it. She stressed Starmer's message doesn't change the brutal reality Hamas has imposed on Gaza and the ongoing hostage crisis.
"The people of Israel won't commit suicide to satisfy European political needs."
Starmer Draws Hard Line on Hamas Terror
In response, Starmer condemned Hamas as a "brutal %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_8%% organisation." He confirmed plans to increase sanctions on the group.
"Our call for a genuine two-state solution is the exact opposite of their hateful vision," he said, underscoring the UK's attempt to balance solidarity with Israel while recognising Palestinian statehood.
With this controversial move, Britain throws its hat squarely into the peace ring – but the road to a lasting deal remains rockier than ever. %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_9%%
