UK Formally Recognises Palestine in Move to Support Two-State Solution

UK Formally Recognises Palestine in Move to Support Two-State Solution
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The UK has formally recognised Palestine as an independent state, joining Canada and Australia in a move aimed at reviving hopes for a two-state solution. Israel condemned the decision as destabilising, while London stressed it was not a concession to Hamas but a step toward peace.

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The United Kingdom has formally recognised Palestine as an independent state, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday, in what the government described as a symbolic but significant step towards peace in the Middle East, The Guardian reported. Canada and Australia made similar declarations ahead of the UN General Assembly conference in New York, reflecting growing global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Starmer said the recognition was intended to revive prospects for a two-state solution, stressing that it did not amount to support for Hamas. The UK plans to recognise Palestine based on provisional 1967 borders, paving the way for full diplomatic relations and upgrading the Palestinian mission in London to embassy status. Palestinian envoy Husam Zomlot welcomed the move as a “step towards justice” and an acknowledgment of Britain’s historic role in the conflict.

Israel strongly rejected the recognition, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it “absurd” and the foreign ministry warning that it would “destabilise the region.” The United States also opposed the decision, diverging from allies France, Canada, and Australia, which argue that recognition strengthens moderate Palestinian voices and supports renewed negotiations.

Domestically, Starmer’s government hopes the move will ease criticism over its handling of the Gaza conflict, amid pressure from Labour MPs and cabinet members to act. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy cautioned that recognition would not bring immediate change but described it as a gesture of hope and commitment to peace.

More than 150 countries are expected to have recognised Palestine by the end of next week. Supporters argue that the step may help prevent further erosion of the two-state solution, while critics warn it could harden divisions and complicate diplomatic efforts. The announcement comes as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise and conditions deteriorate, with humanitarian agencies describing the crisis as one of the most severe in recent decades.