"strong statement from strong country "

🇬🇧 What Starmer announced
The UK will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September 2025, unless Israel takes substantive steps in the coming weeks to:
Agree to a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza
Allow the UN to resume full humanitarian aid delivery
Halt any annexation plans in the West Bank
Commit to a two-state solution in a long-term peace process
Starmer framed recognition as a strategic move to protect the viability of the two‑state solution, now “under threat like never before.”
The UK’s message to Hamas was blunt and unchanged:
> “They must release all hostages immediately, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm, and accept they will play no part in Gaza’s government.”
Starmer called attention to the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza—particularly children suffering starvation—and emphasised the need for at least 500 aid trucks per day. He affirmed ongoing efforts with US, Egyptian, and Qatari partners to secure a durable ceasefire.
He said the UK will assess by September if conditions have been satisfied, stating, “no one should have a veto on our decision.”
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🌍 International and political reactions
France and several G7 countries, including Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands, have supported or echoed the UK’s approach.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently rejected the UK’s move, accusing Starmer of rewarding Hamas and claiming it “punishes its victims.” He warned that a jihadist state by Israel's border would pose a threat to the UK.
US President Donald Trump also criticized the initiative, calling recognition premature and expressing concerns it “rewards terror.” Earlier, he had said he didn't discuss the issue with Starmer during a recent meeting.
Within the UK, families of hostages and other critics voiced concern that recognition could disincentivise Hamas from releasing captives. Emily Damari, a former hostage, called the move a “moral failure.”
The UK government, including Transport Minister Heidi Alexander, countered these criticisms—insisting the recognition is about pressure for humanitarian relief, not rewarding Hamas.
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🧭 Summary
Starmer’s statement marks a decisive shift in UK policy: formal recognition of Palestine by September unless Israel moves meaningfully toward ceasefire, humanitarian access, and peace negotiations. The aim is to pressure parties toward stability while upholding a two‑state framework. Reaction has been strong—both supportive among European allies and highly critical from Israel, the US, and some UK communities