Emmanuel Ukudolo I Tuesday, July 29, 2025
LONDON, U.K – The United Kingdom has said it will recognize the sovereign state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September if Israel persists in ongoing blockade of the Gaza and ongoing intentional killing in the Gaza Strip.
In a video message he posted on X, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer spoke of the horrendous October 7 attack by Hamas adding hostage taken still remains with Hamas.
Our goals remain a safe and secure Israel along a viable and sovereign Palestinian State. And right now that goal is under pressure like never before. I have always said that we will recognize a sovereign Palestinian State as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two state solution. With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act.
So today as part of the process towards peace, I can confirm that U.K will recognize a sovereign state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long term sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution
He said the Palestinian people are in terrible suffering with the crisis assuming a catastrophic proportion with children and others unable to stand up on their feet due to severe malnutrition and that the “images will remain with us for a long time”.
He said he has been in discussions with President Donald Trump on the issue and that in association with international partners, the United Kingdom has begun air dropping humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
He said Israel must allow aid through the crossings and allow the United Nations Relief Workers Agency, UNRWA to deliver aid to the starving people of Gaza.
Starmer said the U.K is working with Egypt, Qatar and allies for a comprehensive ceasefire and that Hamas must release all captives.
He said he will work with allies to set up a government in Gaza and that must give an undertaken not to participate and disarm to pave way for negotiations on a two states solution that will guarantee Israel’s security and a sovereign and prosperous Palestine without any annexation in the West Bank for an enduring peace.
He said he has delayed waiting for a time when there will be maximum pressure but that with the current situation the time to act is now.
He said the U.K will do a review of the situation ahead of the September UN General Assembly to weigh compliance ahead of the decision.
“The Palestinian people have endured horrible suffering because of catastrophic failure of aid. Children are too weak to stand, images that will stay with us for a lifetime, the suffering must end.
“We need to see at least 500 trucks entering Gaza everyday. But ultimately the only way to bring this suffering to an end is for a long term settlement. So we are supporting the U.S,the Qatari and Egyptian initiative to secure a vital ceasefire.
“That ceasefire must be sustainable and it must lead to a wider peace plan, which we are developing with our international partners. This plan will deliver security and a proper governance of Gaza and pave the way for negotiations on a two state solution.
“Our goals remain a safe and secure Israel along a viable and sovereign Palestinian State. And right now that goal is under pressure like never before. I have always said that we will recognize a sovereign Palestinian State as a contribution to a proper peace process at the moment of maximum impact for the two state solution. With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act.
“So today as part of the process towards peace, I can confirm that U.K will recognize a sovereign state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long term sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution.
“This includes allowing the UN to restart supply of aid and making sure there will be no annexation in the West Bank.
HAMAS
“Meanwhile, our message to the terrorists Hamas remains unchanged and unequivocal. They must immediately release all the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza.
“We will make an assessment in September on how far the parties have made this steps. But no one should have a veto over our decision. So, this is the way forward…” he said.
