Starmer says UK will recognise Palestinian state unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire

LONDON (AP) — Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Tuesday the UK will recognise a Palestinian state in September – unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza and takes steps toward long-term peace.

Starmer called ministers together for a rare summertime Cabinet meeting to discuss the situation in Gaza.

He told them that Britain will recognise a state of Palestine before the United Nations General Assembly, "unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, reaches a ceasefire, makes clear there will be no annexation in the West Bank, and commits to a long-term peace process that delivers a two state solution."

Britain has long supported the idea of an independent Palestinian state existing alongside Israel, but has said recognition should come as part of a negotiated two-state solution to the conflict.

Pressure to formally recognise Palestinian statehood has mounted since French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country will become the first major Western power to recognise a Palestinian state in September.

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