Can Israel stop UK from recognising Palestine? Gaza ceasefire could change Keir Starmer's mind

Days after France announced its plans to recognise the Palestinian state, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday said the UK will recognise the statehood at the UN General Assembly in September.

Israel has argued that the recognition of Palestinian state would endanger Israel's security. But Starmer said that UK's "goal remains a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. Right now that goal is under pressure like never before."

Can Israel change Starmer's mind? Well, for one, the British PM has put forth a few conditions, including that Israel should agree to a ceasefire in Gaza. Starmer also appealed to Israel to let the UN resume supply of humanitarian aid while also avoiding further annexations in West Bank.

This comes a day after Starmer discussed the Gaza crisis with US President Donald Trump in Scotland on Monday.

Ultimatum for Hamas too

Starmer, while speaking from 10 Downing Street, also demanded that Hamas to immediately release all the remaining Israeli hostages and agree to a truce. He also pushed the militant group for disarmament and to accept that it will stay out of administrative roles in Gaza.

"I’ve always said that we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution," said the British PM.

"Our message to the terrorists of Hamas is unchanged and unequivocal," Starmer added.

The British premier said his government will examine in September whether the conditions are met by both the parties. However, he said "no one should have a veto over our decision".

Starmer pointed out that the people in Palestine have suffered a lot, adding that "suffering must end."

Spain, Ireland, Norway and Slovenia recognised the statehood of Palestine las year. France would be the 142nd country to do so while the UK would be the 143rd.

Earlier, Trump had slammed French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to recognise Palestine statehood, calling it a "reward for terrorism".

Middle East