UK to recognise Palestinian state in historic foreign policy shift

Shiva K Dhakal
National Press Corporation(NPC)
United Kingdom – Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to announce on Sunday that the UK will formally recognise a Palestinian state — a move marking one of the most significant changes in British foreign policy for decades.

Successive governments had argued recognition should only follow a peace deal, but Sir Keir warned in July that Britain would act if Israel failed to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza and commit to a credible two-state solution.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “rewarding terror”, while families of hostages in Gaza and several Conservative MPs condemned the move.

UK ministers say recognition is a moral responsibility, aimed at keeping alive hopes for peace amid worsening conditions in Gaza, where the Hamas-run health ministry says more than 65,000 people have been killed since the war began nearly two years ago.

The government has also cited the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank as undermining prospects for a viable Palestinian state. Critics, however, warn Britain’s decision risks further straining ties with Israel at a highly volatile moment.