UK to recognise Palestine as a state unless Israel agrees to ceasefire

WorldPolitics
30 Jul 2025 • 12:16 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his senior ministers have agreed to recognise a Palestinian state by September, unless Israel ends its starvation tactics in Gaza.
  • The ultimatum, laid out in an emergency virtual cabinet meeting, demands Israel agree to a ceasefire, commit to no annexation in the West Bank, and pursue a long-term two-state solution.
  • The decision is a compromise to reconcile differing views within Sir Keir’s cabinet, with some members supporting Palestinian recognition and others concerned it would “reward Hamas”.
  • The plan was agreed over the weekend with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
  • The move comes amid mounting pressure on Sir Keir to recognise Palestine, including calls from over 250 MPs from various parties.

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