Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Sir Keir Starmer of appeasing terrorists after he threatened possible UK recognition of Palestine.
In a move which has prompted widespread criticism from pro-Israelis and pro-Palestinians alike, Sir Keir said Israel must agree to a ceasefire and allow unhindered aid into Gaza if it wishes to prevent recognition.
Israel must also “commit to a long-term sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution”, Sir Keir said following an emergency virtual cabinet meeting.
Netanyahu hit back on X: “Starmer rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism & punishes its victims. Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. It will fail you too. It will not happen."
British charities and MPs have claimed Palestinian statehood is being used as a “bargaining chip”. Palestinians have told The Independent that Sir Keir’s move is “outrageous”.
A UN-backed food security body said the “worst-case scenario of famine” was playing out in the besieged enclave.
Donald Trump said he was working with Israel to “get things straightened out”, adding that only “cold-hearted” people would not be affected by pictures coming from Gaza.
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Key Points
- Israel given ultimatum by Starmer over UK recognising state of Palestine
- Netanyahu accuses Starmer of 'appeasing terrorists'
- Trump: I never discussed UK recognition of Palestine with Starmer
- What conditions did Starmer lay out for recognition of Palestine?
- Trump says he is going to get Gaza straightened out
- Worst-case scenario of famine happening in Gaza: experts
Davey: Palestine recognition should not be used as a bargaining chip
23:10
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Alex Croft
Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey has criticised the government’s use of Palestinian statehood as a bargaining chip with Israel.
“Recognition of the state of Palestine should not be used as a bargaining chip,” Sir Ed wrote on X.
“It should have happened months ago. We also need far greater action to stop the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, including fully ceasing arms sales and implementing sanctions against the Israeli cabinet.”
Recognition of the state of Palestine should not be used as a bargaining chip. It should have happened months ago. We also need far greater action to stop the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, including fully ceasing arms sales and implementing sanctions against the Israeli cabinet.
— Ed Davey (@EdwardJDavey) July 29, 2025
Corbyn: 'Palestinian statehood is not a bargaining chip'
22:57
,
Alex Croft
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who now leads the Independent Alliance of MPs in parliament, has responded to Sir Keir Starmer’s Palestinian statehood announcement.
“Palestinian statehood is not a bargaining chip. It is not a threat,” Mr Corbyn wrote on X.
“It is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people.
“Our demands on this shameful government remain the same: end all arms sales to Israel, impose widespread sanctions, and stop the genocide, now.”
Palestinian statehood is not a bargaining chip.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) July 29, 2025
It is not a threat.
It is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people.
Our demands on this shameful government remain the same: end all arms sales to Israel, impose widespread sanctions, and stop the genocide, now.
Saudi Arabia and France call on UN countries to support declaration on two-state solution
22:25
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Alex Croft
Saudi Arabia and France on Tuesday called on countries at the United Nations to support a declaration that outlines "tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps" towards implementing a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.
The seven-page declaration is the result of an international conference at the UN this week - hosted by Saudi Arabia and France - on the decades-long conflict. The United States and Israel boycotted the event.
"We call on you to support this document before the end of the 79th session of the General Assembly by contacting the missions of Saudi Arabia and France in New York," Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud told the conference on Tuesday.
"Following the ceasefire, a transitional administrative committee must be immediately established to operate in Gaza under the umbrella of the Palestinian Authority," it reads. The Palestinian Authority currently exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank under Israeli occupation.
The declaration supports the deployment of a temporary international stabilization mission, mandated by the UN Security Council, and welcomes "the readiness expressed by some member states to contribute troops."
Why has it been so difficult for Britain to recognise the state of Palestine?
21:54
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Alex Croft
Keir Starmer’s decision to recognise the state of Palestine – unless, that is, Israel agrees to a Gaza ceasefire – begs a simple question. Not so much “why?” – for decades, a two-state solution that would see a Palestinian homeland established in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem has been the policy of successive UK governments, and one that was voted for, overwhelmingly, in the Commons 11 years ago.
But, rather, how today’s announcement, following an emergency meeting of the cabinet, that the British government – exasperated by the ongoing situation in Gaza and the dwindling prospects of a two-state solution with Israel – will formally recognise Palestine in September, could have been quite so long in the making.
Britain has played a pivotal role in the pre-history of the present Israeli-Palestinian conflict, starting with the 1917 Balfour Declaration. The then British foreign secretary Arthur Balfour’s letter to Lord Rothschild promising support for a “national home for the Jewish people” set our seal on a future Israeli state.
The Independent’s former Jerusalem bureau chief Donald Macintyre writes:
Watch: Trump says Melania thinks Gaza crisis is 'terrible'
21:33
,
Alex Croft
Netanyahu accuses Starmer of appeasing terrorists
20:44
,
Jane Dalton
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused his UK counterpart Sir Keir Starmer of appeasing terrorists by warning the UK may recognise the state of Palestine.
Sir Keir’s decision would lead to Hamas threatening Britain, Mr Netanyahu predicted.
“Starmer rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism & punishes its victims,” he wrote on social media.
“A jihadist state on Israel’s border TODAY will threaten Britain TOMORROW.
“Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. It will fail you too. It will not happen."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 29, 2025
"Starmer rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism & punishes its victims.
A jihadist state on Israel’s border TODAY will threaten Britain TOMORROW.
Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. It will fail you too. It will not happen."
Who else has recognised Palestinian statehood?
20:30
,
Alex Croft
Last year, Ireland, Norway and Spain recognised a Palestinian state with its borders to be demarcated as they were prior to the 1967 Middle East war, when Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.
However, they also recognised that those borders may change in any eventual talks to reach a final settlement, and that their decisions did not diminish their belief in Israel's fundamental right to exist in peace and security.
About 144 of the 193 member states of the United Nations recognise Palestine as a state, including most of the global south as well as Russia, China and India.
But only a handful of the 27 European Union members do so, mostly former Communist countries as well as Sweden and Cyprus.
The UN General Assembly approved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine in November 2012 by upgrading its observer status at the world body to "non-member state" from "entity".
40 senators sign letter urging Trump to do more for Gazans
20:14
,
Alex Croft
Senate Democrats are imploring president Donald Trump's administration to step up its role in addressing suffering and starvation in Gaza, with more than 40 senators signing onto a letter on Tuesday.
The letter urges the resumption of ceasefire talks and sharply criticised an Israeli-backed American organization that had been created to distribute food aid.
Addressed to secretary of state Marco Rubio and the Republican president's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, the senators said the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has "failed to address the deepening humanitarian crisis and contributed to an unacceptable and mounting civilian death toll around the organization's sites”.
Mr Trump on Monday said that the U.S. would set up food centres to address the worsening humanitarian crisis, but he did not offer any details.
Democrats still called for a "large-scale expansion" of aid into Gaza channeled through organizations experienced working in the area.
Democratic senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii said that changes to the way Israel allows aid into Gaza were at fault, adding that it was "not at all credible" to think the Israeli military — one of the most advanced in the world — is incapable of facilitating aid distribution or performing crowd control.
"They made a choice to establish a new way of doing food distribution," he said. "And it's not working at all."
Opinion: Has Trump just become the very model of a modern liberal leader?
20:00
,
Steffie Banatvala
With the US president shifting his stance on Gaza and Ukraine – and by going harder on Putin and Netanyahu – the last few days have seen extremely welcome signs that he is capable of doing some good every now and again.
The Independent’s Associate Editor Sean O’Grady writes:
Report: What has Starmer demanded of Netanyahu ahead of recognition of a Palestinian state?
19:59
,
Alex Croft
Sir Keir Starmer has issued an ultimatum to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning he will recognise a Palestinian state in September unless a series of conditions are met.
The prime minister’s decision comes after mounting pressure from his backbench MPs, and even cabinet ministers, to recognise Palestine as a state.
Sir Keir held an emergency meeting of his cabinet on Tuesday to condemn the “increasingly intolerable situation” in Gaza and discuss a UK-led peace plan for the region which David Lammy presented to allies in New York.
The Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
In pictures: Palestinians search for aid in Gaza
19:46
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Alex Croft
Lammy defends introducing conditions for Palestinian statehood
19:37
,
Alex Croft
British foreign secretary David Lammy has defended the UK’s decision to recognise Palestinian statehood in September only if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire and long-term peace process.
Mr Lammy told reporters at the United Nations that "what we have attempted to do is affect the situation on the ground, and I sincerely hope that we see a dramatic improvement to the suffering that we see and a commitment to a ceasefire”.
The UK announcement came a day after president Donald Trump met with the British prime minister. Mr Lammy was asked if Trump was given a heads-up.
While the US and UK have the "most special" relationship, Mr Lammy responded, "we have always been clear that no country has veto on solemn decisions that we make in the United Kingdom”.
'It's outrageous': A Palestinian take on Starmer's announcement
19:35
,
Alex Croft
Sir Keir Starmer has angered some Palestinians following his conditional threat that the UK will recognise the state of Palestine.
Palestinian activists, international charities, and British MPs have condemned what they call the use of Palestinian statehood as a “bargaining chip”.
“It’s outrageous that our right to statehood is being made conditional on the actions of the very regime that’s occupying and killing us,” West Bank resident and activist Mohammad Hesham Hureini told The Independent.
“Recognition of Palestine shouldn’t be used as a bargaining chip. It’s a basic right, not something we have to earn by waiting for Israel to stop its violence,” he added.
“The world shouldn’t be bargaining with Israel while a genocide and famine are unfolding in Gaza.
“What’s needed is real international pressure to stop the crimes—not more conditions placed on Palestinian rights that should have been recognized long ago.”
Britain 'joining the momentum' for Palestinian statehood, says Paris
19:11
,
Alex Croft
French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot has written on social media site X that Britain was "joining the momentum initiated by France for the recognition of the state of Palestine".
"Together, through this pivotal decision and our combined efforts, we are putting an end to the endless cycle of violence and reopening the prospect of peace in the region," Mr Barrot said.
"Nothing can stand in the way of a just and clear idea."
Lammy: Hamas does not equal the Palestinian people
19:09
,
Alex Croft
While making his own announcement regarding conditional recognition of the state of Palestine, UK foreign secretary David Lammy responded to criticisms by the Israeli side that the move serves to reward Hamas.
“Hamas must never be rewarded for its monstrous attack on October 7,” Mr Lammy told delegates at the UN Two-State Solution conference on Tuesday.
“But Hamas are not the Palestinian people. And there is no contradiction between support for Israel’s security and support for Palestinian statehood,” he added.
“Indeed, the opposite is true. Let me be clear: the Netanyahu government’s rejection of a two-state solution is wrong – it’s wrong morally and it’s wrong strategically.
“It harms the interests of the Israeli people, closing off the only path to a just and lasting peace.”
Trump disagrees with Starmer recognition but refrains from criticising him
18:52
,
Alex Croft
Donald Trump has disagreed with, but avoided criticising, moves by French president Emmanuel Macron and British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer to potentially recognise a Palestinian state.
“That’s OK,” he said of Sir Keir and Mr Macron’s positions. “But you know, it doesn’t mean I have to agree.”
The US president was speaking while on Air Force One, as he travels back to the US following a five day trip in Scotland. He says he did not discuss recognition with Sir Keir during their bilateral meeting on Monday.
Trump: I never discussed UK recognition of Palestine with Starmer
18:38
,
Alex Croft
Speaking from Air Force One as he travels back to the US from Scotland, Donald Trump has responded to the news about possible UK recognition of a Palestinian state.
He says it was “never really discussed” during bilateral talks with Sir Keir Starmer on Monday, adding that “we have no view on that”. He did, however, add that the case could be made that the move is “rewarding Hamas”, echoing comments by Israel.
Here is what Mr Trump said in full:
We never discussed it. Surprisingly, it was never really discussed. Maybe a little bit in the news conference, but he was sort of discussing it with you, we never did discuss it. And we have no view on that.
You could make the case that, you know, you're rewarding Hamas if you do that, and I don't think they should be rewarded.
So I'm not in that camp, to be honest. We'll let you know where we are in but I am not in that camp, because if you do that, you really are rewarding Hamas.
What conditions did Starmer lay out for recognition of Palestine?
18:33
,
Alex Croft
Sir Keir Starmer’s move to threaten Palestinian statehood conditional on Israel’s actions over the next months has already drawn widespread criticism, from supporters of both Israel and Palestine alike.
Here are the steps which Sir Keir has said Israel must fulfill, if it wishes the UK not to recognise Palestinian statehood:
- Take substantive steps to end the appalling
- Agree to a ceasefire
- Commit to a long-term, sustainable peace
- Allow the UN to restart the supply of aid
- Make clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank
Israeli foreign ministry responds angrily at Keir Starmer's announcement
18:20
,
Alex Croft
We’re hearing now from the Israeli foreign ministry, who have hit out at Sir Keir Starmer for his announcement of possible recognition of Palestinian statehood.
The move rewards the Hamas militant group and will harm efforts towards a ceasefire, the ministry said.
Here is its statement in full:
Israel rejects the statement by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The shift in the British government’s position at this time, following the French move and internal political pressures, constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of hostages.
Starmer held call with Netanyahu before recognition announcement - Reuters
18:15
,
Alex Croft
British prime minister Keir Starmer held a phone call with Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday before announcing his country's intention to recognise a Palestinian state in September if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire, a source familiar with the matter said.
Israel has not yet responded to the announcement, but officials blasted France’s announcement that it would recognise Palestine.
We’ll bring you more on the call as it comes.
Recognition 'rewards Hamas for 7 October', says Reform
18:12
,
Alex Croft
Recognising Palestine as a state only serves to reward Hamas for its actions on the 7 October, a Reform spokesperson has said.
The spokesperson told The Telegraph: “Recognising Palestine as a state does little more than reward Hamas for their actions on October 7.
“This decision is being made at the wrong time and is a knee-jerk reaction by Keir Starmer to appease the hard left forces inside and outside of his party.”
Corbyn: 'Palestinian statehood is not a bargaining chip'
18:09
,
Alex Croft
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who now leads the Independent Alliance of MPs in parliament, has responded to Sir Keir Starmer’s Palestinian statehood announcement.
“Palestinian statehood is not a bargaining chip. It is not a threat,” Mr Corbyn wrote on X.
“It is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people.
“Our demands on this shameful government remain the same: end all arms sales to Israel, impose widespread sanctions, and stop the genocide, now.”
Palestinian statehood is not a bargaining chip.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) July 29, 2025
It is not a threat.
It is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people.
Our demands on this shameful government remain the same: end all arms sales to Israel, impose widespread sanctions, and stop the genocide, now.
British NGO 'appalled' after Palestinian statehood 'dangled like a bargaining chip'
18:00
,
Alex Croft
Major British NGO ActionAid UK has condemned Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement that the UK will recognise Palestine only on the condition that Israel agrees to a ceasefire by September.
“We are appalled to see Palestinian statehood dangled like a bargaining chip to get the Israeli government to cease its genocidal assault on Gaza,” co-CEO Hannah Bond said in a statement.
“A Palestinian state is not a threat to frighten the Israeli government into action after 21 months of relentless war and destruction, it is an unconditional and inalienable right to self-determination,” she added.
The statement added that “words of criticism will not compel the Israeli government to change course” and called on the UK to “use every diplomatic lever available” to bring about a ceasefire.
Why has Starmer chosen now to threaten Palestine recognition?
17:48
,
Alex Croft
Successive British governments have said they will formally recognise a Palestinian state when the time is right, without ever setting a timetable or specifying the necessary conditions.
With warnings from international aid agencies that people in Gaza are facing starvation, a growing number of lawmakers in Sir Keir's Labour Party have been asking him to recognise a Palestinian state to raise pressure on Israel.
The issue came to the fore after French president Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday France would recognise Palestine as a state in territories Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war.
Sir Keir’s Labour Party pledged to recognise Palestine as a state in their July manifesto - however they always said they would only do so when they believed it best served efforts towards a two state solution in the region.
In pictures: Israeli soldiers return from Gaza as Palestinians face starvation
17:30
,
Steffie Banatvala
UK prime minister reaffirms two-state solution and delivers ultimatum to Israel
17:21
,
Steffie Banatvala
“I have always said that we will recognize a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two state solution, with that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act,” Sir Keir Starmer said after his emergency meeting.
“So today, as part of this process towards peace, I can confirm the UK will recognise the state of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long term sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two state solution, and this includes allowing the UN to restart Supply of aid and making clear that there will be no annexations in the West Bank.”
UK supporting efforts to secure a vital ceasefire, two-state solution: Starmer
17:13
,
Steffie Banatvala
Speaking after an emergency cabinet meeting, the UK prime minister said his country is supporting efforts to secure a ceasefire and negotiations on a two-state solution.
“We are supporting the US, Egyptian and Qatari efforts to secure a vital ceasefire.
“That ceasefire must be sustainable and it must lead to a wider peace plan, which we are developing with our international partners.
“This plan will deliver security and proper governance in Gaza and pave the way for negotiations on a two-state solution.
“Our goal remains a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.”
Need to see at least 500 trucks a day for aid: UK PM
17:11
,
Steffie Banatvala
Sir Keir Starmer said he needs to see “at least 500 trucks entering Gaza every day” to deliver aid.
Speaking from Downing Street, the Prime Minister said: “We need to see at least 500 trucks entering Gaza every day, but ultimately, the only way to bring this humanitarian crisis to an end is through a long-term settlement.”
Israel given ultimatum by Starmer over UK recognising state of Palestine
16:57
,
Steffie Banatvala
Keir Starmer and his senior ministers have agreed to recognise to recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel ends its starvation tactics in Gaza.
The prime minister held an emergency virtual cabinet meeting where he laid out his plan for peace agreed over the weekend with French President Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz.
In an ultimatum to Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, he used the threat of recognising Palestine in September to try to force Israel to change tactics.
David Maddox writes:
In pictures: Israeli raid devastates Nuseirat amid hunger crisis
16:30
,
Steffie Banatvala
'Everyone is horrified' by conditions in Gaza: UK Chancellor
16:24
,
Steffie Banatvala
Speaking before joining the UK’s emergency cabinet meeting, the UK Chancellor said “everyone is horrified” by conditions in Gaza, but declined to comment on whether the UK would recognise a Palestinian state.
“It is vital that humanitarian aid can get into Gaza and it is also essential that the hostages - who've been held since the 7 October 2023 - are released,” Rachel Reeves told the BBC on a visit to a mine in Cornwall.
Ms Reeves said she did not want to “pre-empt” the discussions but added: “This government is committed to a two-state solution in the Middle East, with a safe and secure Israel sitting alongside a viable, and peaceful, Palestinian state.”
The emergency meeting is currently underway.
Why have two Israeli rights groups decided to accuse their country of genocide?
16:00
,
Steffie Banatvala
Earlier we brought you the news that two major rights groups in Israel, B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, have accused their country of genocide for the first time.
The rights groups, while prominent and respected internationally, are considered in Israel to be on the political fringe, and their views are not representative of the vast majority of Israelis. But having the allegation of genocide come from Israeli voices shatters a taboo in a society that has been reticent to criticice Israel's conduct in Gaza.
Guy Shalev, director of Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, said the Jewish-Israeli public often dismisses accusations of genocide as antisemitic or biased against Israel.
"Perhaps human rights groups based in Israel, and coming to this conclusion, is a way to confront that accusation and get people to acknowledge the reality," he said.
Israel asserts that it is fighting an existential war and abides by international law. It has rejected genocide allegations as antisemitic.
It is challenging such allegations at the International Court of Justice, and it has rejected the International Criminal Court's allegations that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant committed war crimes in Gaza. Both face international arrest warrants.
What's happening today, as UK's emergency cabinet meeting underway:
15:56
,
Steffie Banatvala
- A UN-backed food security monitor this morning alerted that “the worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip” .
- The alert said famine thresholds have been met for most of the Gaza Strip and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City.
- The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) is a global authority providing criteria for famine but it is up to aid agencies and governments to officially declare famine.
- Israel's foreign minister denied accusations that it's withholding aid, saying it’s a “lie”.
- The death toll has now surpassed 60,000 in Gaza, according to the enclave’s health ministry.
- In Scotland, Trump has said he’s working with Israel's prime minister “to try and get things straightened out”.
- Sir Keir Starmer’s emergency cabinet meeting on Gaza is underway, with most ministers thought to have joined remotely, according to the BBC.
'Now or never moment': Labour MP urges Starmer to recognise Palestinian state
15:46
,
Steffie Banatvala
"It is now or never if we believe in Palestinians's right to recognition,” Labour MP Sarah Champion told the BBC.
Labour MP previously organised a letter signed by more than half of the party's backbenchers urging the government to recognise a Palestinian state.
“I really hope the cabinet realises there will never be a perfect moment to recognise the state of Palestine.”
"What we do have, however, is the perfect storm to prevent a two-state solution ever happening - with the Knesset passing a motion for annexation and a likely ruling the 6 August allowing settlements to encircle East Jerusalem which will divide the West Bank for ever.”
In pictures: Palestinians collect aid that landed in the Mediterranean Sea
15:37
,
Steffie Banatvala
Starmer's emergency Gaza meeting underway, say reports
15:16
,
Alexander Butler
Sir Keir Starmer’s emergency cabinet meeting on Gaza is underway, according to the BBC.
The broadcaster said most cabinet ministers are understood to have joined remotely.
The government’s long-term stance has been to recognise a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution peace process.
Israel's aid measures re-capped
15:15
,
Steffie Banatvala
Israel’s military on Sunday announced “a local tactical pause