British Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to officially recognize the Palestinian state, a historic decision that is expected to happen immediately after the end of US President Donald Trump's state visit to the United Kingdom.
British government sources have confirmed to The Times that Starmer is planning this significant step on the international stage before several European countries, led by France, do the same during a United Nations summit to be held in New York next week. The decision comes against the backdrop of the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip and efforts to find a long-term political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
However, Starmer has faced intense pressure from within the Labour Party to make the move immediately. He has reportedly decided to delay the formal announcement until after Trump leaves London, to avoid the issue dominating a joint press conference scheduled for Thursday.
The United States has spoken out against the decision. The Trump administration considers the recognition of Palestine a "reward for terrorism," referring to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.
Despite opposition from Washington, Starmer's move signals a shift in British foreign policy approach and an attempt to play a more active role in Middle East peace efforts.
Formal recognition of the Palestinian state by the UK would have significant diplomatic consequences and could prompt other Western countries to take similar steps in the coming months.
