Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reiterated his intention to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and a path towards a two-state solution. This declaration follows criticism from Emily Damari, a British-Israeli former hostage held by Hamas for 471 days, who accused Starmer of a “moral failure”. Starmer acknowledged her distress, stating he had spoken with her and her mother, and reaffirmed the government’s firm position on the immediate release of all remaining hostages.
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Speaking during a visit to Swindon, Starmer expressed empathy for the families affected by the hostage crisis, while highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. He emphasised that Britain must also do everything possible to address the unfolding catastrophe, noting reports of children and infants suffering from extreme hunger. He stated that unless significant changes occur on the ground, the UK will proceed with its recognition of Palestinian statehood in September.
The government clarified that its criteria for recognition remain distinct from negotiations with Hamas, reaffirming the stance that the group, labelled as a terrorist organisation, must have no role in governing Gaza or a future Palestinian state. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds underscored this point, saying Britain would not enter into a “to and fro” with Hamas. Two senior officials confirmed the UK’s recognition plan remains unchanged and is not contingent on Hamas’s actions but rather on broader international law and peace efforts.
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On Thursday, legal debates intensified as 40 peers, including prominent barristers, questioned the legality of the move, citing uncertainty over Palestine’s borders and governance. In response, Professor Philippe Sands KC defended the decision, asserting that Palestine fulfils all legal criteria for statehood, and that recognition is now a political rather than legal matter. He referenced the 2024 International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion, which affirmed the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood.
