The UK government is poised to recognise the state of Palestine by September unless Israel takes significant steps to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made this announcement following an emergency cabinet meeting, emphasising the urgent need for action amid escalating famine warnings from the United Nations.

Sir Keir stated that the UK would consider recognising Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire, allows humanitarian aid to flow, and commits to a long-term peace process that supports a two-state solution. He remarked, "Now was the right time to move this position" due to the worsening conditions in Gaza and the diminishing prospects for peace.

The Prime Minister's announcement has been met with mixed reactions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the potential recognition, claiming it would reward Hamas and exacerbate tensions. He stated, "A jihadist state on Israel’s border today will threaten Britain tomorrow. Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails."

Pressure has been mounting on Sir Keir to act decisively, with over 250 MPs signing a letter urging immediate recognition of a Palestinian state. The Prime Minister acknowledged the British public's outrage over the humanitarian crisis, describing the situation in Gaza as "intolerable" and asserting that the UK must see at least 500 aid trucks entering the territory daily.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaking at the UN, highlighted the UK's responsibility to support the two-state solution, labelling Israel's rejection of this path as both morally and strategically wrong. He stated, "The situation on the ground continues to worsen and the two-state solution is in peril."

Labour MP Sarah Champion, who organised the letter from MPs, expressed her support for the announcement but raised concerns about the conditional nature of recognition. She argued that recognition should be about the self-determination of the Palestinian people, independent of Israel's actions.

Critics, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, have dismissed the move as political posturing, arguing that it will not resolve the ongoing conflict or facilitate aid delivery to Gaza. Badenoch stated, "Recognising a Palestinian state won’t bring the hostages home, won’t end the war and won’t get aid into Gaza."

The Prime Minister's decision follows discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, amid a broader international context where France has also announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state in September. While many countries have already recognised Palestine, sceptics argue that such recognition must be part of a meaningful peace process to have any real impact.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the UK government is committed to working with international partners to alleviate the crisis and promote a sustainable future for the region.