UK Recognises State of Palestine: Starmer’s Landmark Decision Sparks Israeli & US Backlash

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced the recognition of the State of Palestine, marking a major shift in British foreign policy.

In a video statement on X, the Prime Minister said:
“In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East, we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution.”

Australia and Canada also announced formal recognition, with Portugal and France expected to follow soon.

Israel’s Sharp Response

Israel strongly condemned the move. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday:
“A Palestinian state will not happen. My clear message to the leaders who recognised it is this—you are giving a huge reward to terrorism.”

Netanyahu also vowed to continue expanding settlements in the West Bank, saying Jewish communities there had already “doubled.” Far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Israel to annex the West Bank and dismantle the Palestinian Authority.

United States Reaction

Washington echoed Israel’s criticism. US officials described the UK’s decision as a “diplomatic gift” to Hamas. A State Department spokesperson said:
“With hostages still held after the October 7 attacks, recognition at this stage sends the wrong signal.”

The US reiterated its position that Palestinian statehood should only come through direct negotiations as part of a lasting peace agreement—not via unilateral recognition.

Starmer’s Defence

Sir Keir rejected the criticism, insisting:
“This is not a reward for Hamas. Hamas has no future—no role in government, no role in security. Our call for a genuine two-state solution is the exact opposite of Hamas’s hateful vision.”

He added:
“The starvation and devastation in Gaza are utterly intolerable. The death and destruction horrifies all of us.”

Palestinian Response

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the UK’s recognition, calling it a step towards a future where “the State of Palestine can live side by side with the State of Israel in security, peace and good neighbourliness.”

Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian Authority’s representative in London, said recognition was an “inalienable right” and marked the end of “the denial of our existence.”

Hamas also welcomed the move, calling it “an important step” but demanded practical measures leading to an “immediate end” to the war.

Global and Political Reactions

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said recognition offered “partnership in building a peaceful future.” Australia’s Anthony Albanese described it as part of a “co-ordinated effort to create momentum for a two-state solution.”

In the UK, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch slammed the move as “disastrous,” while former Home Secretary Priti Patel accused Starmer of “capitulating to the hard left.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, however, welcomed the decision, calling it “long overdue.”