UK PM says Britain will recognise Palestine unless Israel takes concrete steps toward peace

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has launched a scathing attack on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of appeasing terrorism following Britain’s vow to recognise Palestinian statehood later this year.

The sharply worded criticism came after Starmer told his Cabinet that the UK would move to officially recognise Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September — unless Israel takes “substantive steps” to ease the Gaza crisis and revive the peace process.

“[Keir] Starmer rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism and punishes its victims,” Netanyahu said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “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.”

The UK’s shift in stance is a significant departure from previous government policy and aligns with a growing international push — led in part by France — for formal recognition of Palestinian statehood. Starmer’s decision follows weeks of pressure from Labour MPs, many of whom have demanded stronger action in response to the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

During the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Starmer reportedly told ministers that “now was the right time to move this position forward,” citing the dire conditions in Gaza and the lack of credible momentum in peace talks.

He insisted that any recognition of Palestine would be conditional on Hamas disarming, releasing all remaining hostages captured during its deadly 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, and fully withdrawing from any governing role in Gaza.

“The two-state solution remains the only viable long-term path to peace,” Starmer is understood to have told ministers. “But it must come with commitments from both sides.”

In a readout of a call between the two leaders prior to the Cabinet meeting, Downing Street said Starmer reiterated the UK’s “unequivocal” condemnation of Hamas’s terror attacks. However, he also pressed Netanyahu to “take immediate action to lift all restrictions on aid access and get those suffering in Gaza the food they need”.

Starmer’s pledge comes amid rising international concern over the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where tens of thousands have been killed or wounded and essential infrastructure has been devastated during Israel’s military campaign against Hamas.

Britain’s recognition would follow a wave of similar moves from other European nations. Norway, Ireland, and Spain formally recognised Palestinian statehood earlier this year, triggering backlash from the Israeli government.

Netanyahu, who has fiercely resisted international calls for restraint, is also facing criticism at home over Israel’s prolonged military operation and the lack of progress on hostage negotiations.

Relations between London and Tel Aviv have grown increasingly strained in recent months. Starmer’s government previously suspended the export of some weapons components used by Israeli forces, citing concerns over international law. Netanyahu at the time called the decision “shameful.”

Labour’s announcement is expected to energise the debate over Britain’s role in Middle East diplomacy. While pro-Israel groups warn that unilateral recognition of Palestine could embolden Hamas and undermine security, supporters argue that Britain’s shift may help restore balance and restart meaningful negotiations.

As one Labour MP said privately, “This is not about taking sides — it’s about taking a stand.”