British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce the United Kingdom’s recognition of a Palestinian state this Sunday afternoon in an official statement.
Starmer had previously said in July that the UK would take this step if Israel failed to uphold a ceasefire and pursue a lasting peace agreement.
The government believes the timing is right for recognition of Palestinian statehood, despite criticism from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who argued that such a move would “reward terror.“
Government sources indicated that conditions in Gaza have worsened in recent weeks, with famine intensifying due to the blockade of aid trucks carrying humanitarian supplies.
Earlier this week, a United Nations commission concluded that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, a conclusion rejected by the Israeli government.
Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas welcomed London’s decision during his visit to Downing Street earlier this month, with both leaders agreeing that Hamas would have no role in a future Palestinian government.
