Britain will recognise state of Palestine 'unless Israel agrees to ceasefire'

The British government has said it will officially recognise Palestine as a state in September unless Israel end the ‘appalling situation’ in Gaza. Last year, Ireland officially recognised the state of Palestine with Norway and Spain following suit. France have also said it would recognise the state of Palestine before the UN conference in September. The British government has said it will officially recognise Palestine as a state in September unless Israel end the ‘appalling situation’ in Gaza. Pic: PA A statement from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK was ‘determined to protect the viability of the two-state solution.’ It confirmed their intention to recognise the state of Palestine ‘unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza and commits to a long-term sustainable peace.’ The statement said this would include allowing the UN to ‘restart without delay’ the supply of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and agree on a ceasefire. Starmer previously said the recognition of a Palestinian state may jeopardise the UK’s relationship with the United States. Pic: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images The British PM reiterated the UK’s demands on Hamas — release the hostages; sign the ceasefire and accept they have no role in the government of Gaza. Over 200 MPS have called on Foreign Secretary David Lammy to immediately recognise a Palestinian state. However, others have said it would undermine the UK’s position as an impartial broker in the war. Starmer previously said the recognition of a Palestinian state may jeopardise the UK’s relationship with the United States. Speaking in a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Starmer explained that the timing of the announcement was due to the ‘intolerable situation’ in Gaza as well as concerns that the possibility of a two-state solution was ‘reducing.’ Elsewhere, he said the British government’s main aim was to change the situation on the ground so that aid can enter. ‘This is intended to further that cause,’ he told media, ‘It’s done now because I’m particularly concerned that the idea of a two-state solution is reducing and feels further away today than it has for many years.’