LONDON, Sep 21: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that the UK will formally recognise a Palestinian state, joining Australia and Canada in a coordinated move despite strong opposition from the US and Israel.
Starmer emphasized that the decision aims to revive hope for peace and is not a reward for Hamas, which he said will have no role in future Palestinian governance.
The recognition, though largely symbolic, carries historic weight given the UK’s colonial-era role in the region, particularly the 1917 Balfour Declaration.
More than 140 countries have already recognised a Palestinian state, with France expected to follow suit during the upcoming UN General Assembly.
Starmer had previously warned in July that the UK would proceed with recognition if Israel failed to agree to a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Critics, including the US and Israeli government, argue the move is misguided and undermines peace by rewarding Hamas.
However, supporters see it as correcting a historical wrong and preserving the viability of a two-state solution, which many fear is being eroded by continued violence in Gaza and Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank.
The move underscores growing international frustration with the stalled peace process. (AP)
