London: Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the United Kingdom's formal recognition of the State of Palestine on Sunday. "In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East -- We are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a Two-State Solution," he said in a video posted to his X account. "That means a safe and secure Israel -- Alongside a viable Palestinian State. At the moment, we have neither. Ordinary people - Israeli and Palestinian - deserve to live in peace, to try to rebuild their lives free from violence and suffering--. Our call for a genuine Two-State Solution is the exact opposite of their hateful vision. So we are clear - This solution is not a reward for Hamas. Because it means Hamas can have no future. No role in government. No role in security. We have already proscribed and sanctioned Hamas. And we will go further. I have directed work to sanction other Hamas figures in the coming weeks," the Prime Minister disclosed.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Starmer addressed the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, which he noted had reached "new depths." "The Israeli government's relentless and increasing Bombardment of Gaza, the offensive of recent weeks, the starvation and devastation are utterly intolerable," he stated. "Tens of thousands have been killed, including thousands as they tried to collect food and water. This death and destruction horrifies us all. It must end," Starmer stressed. He added that the UK had evacuated the first group of sick and injured children to be treated by the NHS.
He also mentioned efforts to "build consensus with leaders in the region and beyond" around a Framework for Peace. This plan includes reforming the Palestinian Authority as part of the steps from a ceasefire in Gaza to negotiations on a Two-State Solution. "We will keep driving this forward. As part of this effort, I set out in July the terms on which we would act - in line with our Manifesto - to recognise Palestinian statehood. That moment has now arrived," he explained.
Starmer concluded by emphasizing the UK's historical recognition of Israel over 75 years ago and joining over 150 countries in recognising a Palestinian State. "Today we join over 150 countries who recognise a Palestinian State too - A pledge to the Palestinian and Israeli people - That there can be a better future," he said. He expressed hope for the release of hostages, an end to the violence and suffering, and a return to the Two-State Solution as the best hope for peace and security for all sides.