The UK has formally recognized the State of Palestine, a major policy shift that has sparked sharp reactions from Israel, the US, and Hamas.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said
she had warned Israel not to annex parts of the West Bank in retaliation for
the decision. Speaking ahead of a UN conference in New York on Monday, Cooper
stressed the UK’s recognition was aimed at “protecting peace, justice, and
security for both Israelis and Palestinians,” and warned that extremists on
both sides were trying to derail any prospect of a two-state solution.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
announced the recognition on Sunday, alongside Canada, Australia, and Portugal,
saying the move was designed to “revive hope for peace and a two-state
solution.” He emphasized that Hamas would have “no future, no role in
government, and no role in security” in a Palestinian state.
Israel strongly condemned the move.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed it as “a huge reward for terrorism”
and vowed to continue expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Government
spokesperson David Mencer accused Labour of betraying the Jewish people, while
far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for full annexation of the West Bank
and the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority.
The United States also criticized
the decision, calling it “a diplomatic gift to Hamas,” citing the group’s 7
October 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages
taken. Hamas welcomed the recognition as an “important step,” but demanded
concrete measures to end the ongoing war.
Meanwhile, France has pledged to
co-host a conference with Saudi Arabia to advance a peace framework, and
Belgium is expected to follow with recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Domestically, Liberal Democrats
leader Sir Ed Davey welcomed the UK’s decision as “an essential path” but urged
stronger pressure on Netanyahu’s government to stop the violence, deliver
humanitarian aid to Gaza, and secure the release of hostages.
The recognition comes as
international concern mounts. A UN commission of inquiry last week accused
Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, reporting more than 65,000 deaths and
declaring famine in Gaza City. Israel rejected the findings as “Hamas lies” and
denied that starvation is taking place.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud
Abbas hailed the UK’s recognition, saying it would help pave the way for “the
State of Palestine to live side by side with the State of Israel in peace and
security.”
Currently, about 75% of UN member
states recognize Palestine, though it lacks internationally agreed borders, a
capital, or a standing army - making recognition largely symbolic. The UK
government cited Israel’s ongoing settlement expansion in the occupied West
Bank, illegal under international law, as a key factor behind its decision.