By Obinna Uballa
The United Kingdom has formally recognised a Palestinian state, a move Prime Minister Keir Starmer described as an effort to “revive the hope of peace” between Palestinians and Israelis.
The decision, announced on Sunday, places Britain alongside Canada and Australia in what appears to be a coordinated Commonwealth initiative, despite strong opposition from the United States and Israel.
Starmer, who has faced internal Labour Party pressure to take a firmer stance on Israel, insisted the recognition was not a reward for Hamas. “We must channel our efforts behind the peaceful future we want to see: the release of hostages, an end to the violence and suffering, and a renewed focus on a two-state solution as the best hope for peace and security,” he said.
The recognition is largely symbolic but highly significant, given Britain’s colonial-era role in Palestine and the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which paved the way for the creation of Israel. Palestinian envoy to London, Husam Zomlot, called the move a long-overdue correction of “wrongs that began in 1917.”
The announcement, reported by AP, follows Starmer’s July warning that Britain would take the step unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, allowed U.N. aid access, and signalled readiness for peace talks.
More than 140 countries already recognise Palestine, with France and other states expected to make similar declarations during the U.N. General Assembly this week.
The timing, however, has stirred controversy. Just days earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump voiced his opposition during a state visit to London, AP reported. Both Washington and Tel Aviv condemned the move, arguing it undermines peace efforts and rewards Hamas while the Palestinians remain politically divided between Gaza and the West Bank.
Analysts say the decision underscores British and French unease over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
