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In a pivotal shift, the UK has formally recognised a Palestinian state, marking a noteworthy change in foreign policy. Announcing the decision, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated it was essential to preserving peace and advocating for a two-state solution in the Middle East. This move aligns with similar announcements from Australia and Canada, as France and Portugal are anticipated to make their declarations.

 

The decision has ignited controversy, drawing harsh criticism from Israel, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denouncing it as a "huge reward to terrorism." Netanyahu insists that a Palestinian state "will not happen" and believes this recognition is a political concession enabling Hamas. In contrast, Sir Keir emphasised that the recognition is not a reward for Hamas, but a commitment to peace, clearly distinguishing the UK’s stance from Hamas’s ideologies.

 

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas praised the announcement, viewing it as a step towards peaceful coexistence with Israel. The UK's Foreign Office clarified that recognition is provisional and based on 1967 borders, with future negotiations to determine final terms. This move is rooted in the goal of a two-state arrangement, envisioning a Palestinian state between the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including East Jerusalem as the capital, reverting to pre-1967 lines.

 

The circumstances in the region are increasingly dire, with recent Israeli operations in Gaza resulting in significant casualties and displacement. The ongoing conflict, as reported by the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, has left 71 people dead and 304 injured in recent Israeli attacks. The battle's broader context has seen over 65,000 Palestinian lives lost since the escalation began, and the UN has accused Israel of genocide—claims Israel strongly rejects.

 

Domestically, the UK government names expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank as a crucial factor for this recognition. This expansion is deemed illegal under international law and fuels Palestinian grievances. Conservative politicians have criticised the UK’s decision, arguing it emboldens Hamas, while Labour leaders like Sir Ed Davey support it, which is long overdue. The debate underscores internal pressures on Sir Keir’s leadership to address party divisions regarding the Israel-Palestine issue.

 

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the decision as “disastrous,” accusing it of rewarding terrorism without conditions. Additionally, some hostages' families feel the recognition may undermine efforts to secure their loved ones’ safe return. Despite dissent, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy defends the decision, highlighting the pursuit of a two-state solution as the central aim, notwithstanding the immediate humanitarian impact.

 

Hamas has responded favourably, acknowledging the recognition as a reaffirmation of Palestinian rights, although it urges practical steps to end the conflict. Sir Keir reiterated that Hamas has no role in future Palestinian governance and committed to further sanctioning its leaders in upcoming weeks.

 

 

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• The UK has formally recognised a Palestinian state, shifting its diplomatic policy.
• Israel condemns the move, claiming it rewards terrorism, while the Palestinian Authority welcomes it.
• The decision faces divided reactions within the UK, amid ongoing Middle East conflicts.

Relates Stories:

 

Canada to Recognise Palestinian State, Following France and UK

Starmer backs Palestinian statehood, urges Gaza ceasefire

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-09-21

 

 

Well done. 

 

Reward Hamas for October 7.

 

A great precedent to set.

October 7th was well worth it. Hamas wins. Mission accomplished.

Note to terrorists 

 

it works 

 

especially if it’s against Jews 

4 minutes ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

October 7th was well worth it. Hamas wins. Mission accomplished.

 

    Its just recognition from the UK, its not such  big deal 

Just now, Nick Carter icp said:

 

    Its just recognition from the UK, its not such  big deal 

Its openly rewarding terrorism. Something the UK and indeed any country should not be doing. Starmer is doing it because he wants the huge muslim vote, even though he will have blood on his hands as he literally rewarded terrorists.

 

Quote

Formerly?? Formally, you mean?

 

9 hours ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

Its openly rewarding terrorism. Something the UK and indeed any country should not be doing. Starmer is doing it because he wants the huge muslim vote, even though he will have blood on his hands as he literally rewarded terrorists.

 

He might also get the votes of the majority of people  who don’t regard Israel’s actions in Gaza as justified.

 

 

https://yougov.co.uk/international/articles/52694-british-attitudes-to-the-israel-gaza-conflict-july-2025-update

10 hours ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

October 7th was well worth it. Hamas wins. Mission accomplished.

This has nothing to do with Hamas, which is a horrific organization. Recognition is directed at the Palestinian Authority, who represent the Palestinian state at the UN. Hopefully, broader global recognition of Palestine will eventually lead Israelis to reject its current government, whose policies in both Gaza and the West Bank are making Israel a pariah state. Israelis and Palestinians both deserve more progressive leadership.

Good! I hope actions like this will make Israel think twice about decimating Gaza, reach an agreement on a Two-State Solution, which includes the immediate return of all hostages - but I don't think it will.🥺 

A gift to Hamas, and to other Iranian- sponsored groups.

12 hours ago, CharlieH said:

This move is rooted in the goal of a two-state arrangement, envisioning a Palestinian state between the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including East Jerusalem as the capital, reverting to pre-1967 lines.

 

Pre 1967 wasn't Gaza controlled by Egypt and the West bank had been annexed by Jordan, so what were the borders of "Palestine"?

It's all about  the Muslim vote from now until Sharia Law is finally established in the UK, Australia and Canada.

35 minutes ago, blazes said:

It's all about  the Muslim vote from now until Sharia Law is finally established in the UK, Australia and Canada.

Oh, get real. Only half of the world’s *Muslim* countries apply Sharia law, and even then only in some aspects of their societies. Muslims constitute about 6% of the UK’s population, and the vast majority of them are as repelled by strict Sharia law as you or I. Hysterical statements about Sharia law coming to get us all serve only to inflame hatred.

Not going to make much difference what the British Prime Minister says 

Great Britain is no more a World poWorlno one listens to them 

only the USA has a say and to Israel thats all that counts 

1 hour ago, loong said:

 

Pre 1967 wasn't Gaza controlled by Egypt and the West bank had been annexed by Jordan, so what were the borders of "Palestine"?

They are referring to the armistice lines from 1949 (also called the Green Line) - the borders that existed before Israel took control of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem in the 1967 war.

So it’s not that those lines were ever Palestinian borders, they’re a starting point for negotiations in the two-state solution.

12 hours ago, damascase said:

 

Yes, should be “formally”.

13 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Well done. 

 

Reward Hamas for October 7.

 

A great precedent to set.

Israel are the thieving land grabbing terrorists that have caused this misery for years they think that their waste doesn't stink

 

13 hours ago, SunnyinBangrak said:

October 7th was well worth it. Hamas wins. Mission accomplished.

I believe the mission has been accomplished in that many millions of people all over the world, who were unaware of Israeli oppression, have learned about the atrocities of Israel over the last few decades and joined the Palestinian cause. What a terrible price to pay though, martyrs indeed.

1 minute ago, kiwikeith said:

Israel are the thieving land grabbing terrorists that have caused this misery for years they think that their waste doesn't stink

 

And they are currently planning more illegal settlements, you are right. It’s high time they were stopped.

 

The plans for 3,401 housing units in E1 - which covers about 12 sq km (4.6 sq miles) between East Jerusalem and the settlement of Maale Adumim - were approved by the Civil Administration's Higher Planning Council.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg30l6myj3o

Fine, then let these righteous governments commit to sending in their troops to disarm Hamas and ensure the Palestinians get to vote for their leaders. They will also need to negotiate with Israel on the withdrawal timeline of section C of the West Bank, which Israel have officially controlled since the Oslo accords.

Then same governments can commit to peacekeeping and revising the school curriculums, as they've done in Saudi, UAE etc to ensure the Palestinian kids don't think From the river to the sea, is still their objective.

Clearly the United Nations have failed miserably and no way they can have a role until they are reformed.

1 hour ago, loong said:

 

Pre 1967 wasn't Gaza controlled by Egypt and the West bank had been annexed by Jordan, so what were the borders of "Palestine"?

Correct, when peace came after 1973 war between Egypt and Israel the Sinai were handed back, but Egypt for obvious reasons main one being the 1971 Palestine-Jordan civil war that created "Black September" terrorist group the Egyptians left that hot potato behind.

12 minutes ago, Donga said:

Fine, then let these righteous governments commit to sending in their troops to disarm Hamas and ensure the Palestinians get to vote for their leaders. They will also need to negotiate with Israel on the withdrawal timeline of section C of the West Bank, which Israel have officially controlled since the Oslo accords.

Then same governments can commit to peacekeeping and revising the school curriculums, as they've done in Saudi, UAE etc to ensure the Palestinian kids don't think From the river to the sea, is still their objective.

Clearly the United Nations have failed miserably and no way they can have a role until they are reformed.

How many years have the UN been a failure. 

Since it began its full of failed knighted political ideots 

10 minutes ago, tmd5855 said:

Correct, when peace came after 1973 war between Egypt and Israel the Sinai were handed back, but Egypt for obvious reasons main one being the 1971 Palestine-Jordan civil war that created "Black September" terrorist group the Egyptians left that hot potato behind.

Egypt didn’t stop supporting the Palestinian cause, they simply couldn’t afford more conflict with Israel.

3 hours ago, WDSmart said:

Good! I hope actions like this will make Israel think twice about decimating Gaza, reach an agreement on a Two-State Solution, which includes the immediate return of all hostages - but I don't think it will.🥺 

Israel won't because they know that if they agree to a two-state solution Iran will pour even more support into Hamas than currently, and Israel will struggle to survive. Great for Hamas and it's supporters world-wide, many of whom are from within the expatriate community in Thailand, apparently. but far from great for Israelis.

15 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Well done. 

 

Reward Hamas for October 7.

So delusional. Didn’t expect anything less from you, though!

 

 

 

15 hours ago, JonnyF said:

A great precedent to set.

4 hours ago, WDSmart said:

Good! I hope actions like this will make Israel think twice about decimating Gaza, reach an agreement on a Two-State Solution, which includes the immediate return of all hostages - but I don't think it will.🥺 

 

   Israel has been refrained in the past due to not wanting to upset other Western countries .

    Israel may well annex the West bank now .

Some posters have obviously forgotten that this is linked to the New York declaration voted at the UN asking for Hamas  to be disarmed and to relinquish power in Gaza (and supported by the Arab league). 🤣

 

https://www.b92.net/english/world/163158/the-un-general-assembly-votes-on-the-new-york-declaration/vest

2 hours ago, RobKray said:

Egypt didn’t stop supporting the Palestinian cause, they simply couldn’t afford more conflict with Israel.

 Not agree on the "Affordability" angle, Sadat who were later murdered for the peace deal wanted closer ties with America and get the Russians out.

 

Do the Russians have any advisers on the ground now??

Sadat wanted aid (Cash) not more tanks.