UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly planning to formally recognize a Palestinian state following the conclusion of US President Donald Trump’s state visit to the United Kingdom.
According to Times of Israel, the move is said to be timed deliberately to avoid overshadowing a joint press conference with Trump, scheduled for Thursday.
Although the report remains unsourced, it indicates that Starmer is preparing to act ahead of a group of nations, led by France, that intend to recognize Palestine at the upcoming United Nations summit in New York next week.
The push comes amid escalating global concern over the war in Gaza, now in its 712th day.
Starmer is under significant pressure from within his Labour Party to make the recognition, with party members citing humanitarian and geopolitical justifications.
However, the UK government has been cautious, aiming to avoid inflaming diplomatic tensions during Trump’s high-profile visit.
The US remains firmly opposed to unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood at this time, arguing it would reward Hamas following its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
That assault resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 251 others, triggering the current war.
The recognition issue is expected to gain traction at the UN summit, where multiple countries are anticipated to announce similar moves. Starmer’s decision could potentially shift the diplomatic landscape, especially if the UK moves ahead of other Western nations.
This development comes amid ongoing conflict, hostage negotiations, and deep political divides in both Israel and the Palestinian territories.
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