UK PM Keir Starmer’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state in September 2025 unless Israel agrees to a Gaza ceasefire has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who calls it a “reward” for Hamas.
Andrew Juma, DigitalWorldwideNews.com, London
July 30, 2025
On July 29, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK will recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September unless Israel takes “substantive steps” to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, agree to a ceasefire, halt West Bank annexation, and commit to a two-state solution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, calling it a “reward for Hamas’s monstrous terrorism.” The announcement, driven by Gaza’s famine crisis, has sparked global debate. Below, we answer key questions about this development, drawing on verified BBC sources for accuracy.
Starmer, speaking after an emergency cabinet meeting in London on July 29, 2025, outlined conditions Israel must meet by September: end the “appalling situation” in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire, stop West Bank annexation, and revive the two-state solution by allowing UN aid resumption. If unmet, the UK will recognize a Palestinian state, a shift from its prior stance that recognition should occur only at the “point of maximum impact” in a peace process. Starmer emphasized that no party would have a veto, with an assessment planned before the UN General Assembly. He also demanded Hamas release hostages, disarm, and accept no role in Gaza’s governance.
Netanyahu, in a social media post, stated: “Starmer rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism & punishes its victims. A jihadist state on Israel’s border TODAY will threaten Britain TOMORROW.” He argues that recognizing a Palestinian state now emboldens Hamas, responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack killing 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s Foreign Ministry echoed this, claiming the move undermines ceasefire efforts. Netanyahu denies starvation in Gaza, despite UN reports, insisting there are no aid restrictions.
The announcement aligns with a UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) alert on July 29, 2025, warning of a “worst-case scenario of famine” in Gaza, with 1.1 million people facing catastrophic hunger. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reported over 60,000 deaths since October 2023, with 127 malnutrition-related deaths, including 85 children. Starmer highlighted “starving babies” and “children too weak to stand,” noting that aid airdrops (e.g., 20 tonnes from the UK) and Israel’s allowance of 700 tons of flour are insufficient. The UN reports 112 deaths in 24 hours, 22 during aid collection, blaming Israel’s blockade.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the move, aligning with his June 10, 2025, commitments to condemn terrorism and disarm Hamas. France, the first G7 nation to pledge recognition in September, inspired Starmer’s decision. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called recognition a “last step” for a two-state solution, while US President Donald Trump said the US has “no view” but noted it could “reward” Hamas. The US State Department called similar moves “counterproductive.” About 140 countries recognize a Palestinian state, with the UK’s decision carrying symbolic weight.
Historically, the UK supported Palestinian statehood “when the time is right” within a peace process. Starmer’s deadline and conditions mark a bolder stance, driven by pressure from 255 Labour MPs and public outrage over Gaza’s crisis. BBC’s Jeremy Bowen called it a “big change,” noting Starmer’s tougher measures, including suspending some UK arms sales to Israel and dropping challenges to ICC warrants against Netanyahu. Critics like Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch argue it “won’t end the war” and rewards Hamas.
Starmer’s plan aims to pressure Israel into a ceasefire and revive the two-state solution, which he said is “under pressure like never before.” Analysts like Yosi Meckelburg of Chatham House call it “baffling” and symbolic, unlikely to alter ground realities without broader action. Israel’s rejection and Hamas’s refusal to negotiate under blockade conditions signal stalled talks. The UK’s move, backed by France and supported by 15 nations’ joint statements, could build momentum for Palestinian statehood but risks deepening Israel’s isolation after its March 2024 truce collapse.
Starmer will assess Israel’s and Hamas’s progress on his conditions before September 2025. Without a ceasefire, aid improvements, or Hamas’s disarmament, the UK will join ~140 countries in recognizing Palestine, potentially influencing other G7 nations. With Gaza’s famine worsening—90,000 women and children need urgent treatment—the UK faces pressure to act swiftly, balancing humanitarian urgency with diplomatic complexities.
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