UK to formally recognise Palestine shortly after Trump visit

The UK will reportedly recognise the State of Palestine following the conclusion of US President Donald Trump’s state visit to the country at the end of this week, British media is reporting.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is waiting until Trump departs the UK before making the announcement, amid concerns that the matter would dominate a press conference due to take place on Thursday at Chequers.

The US has been staunchly opposed to the recognition of Palestine, specifically under Trump's cabinet, which has supported Israel throughout the onslaught on Gaza.

The UK and US have at times been at odds over the ongoing war, which has now killed over 65,000 Palestinians. The UK’s foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, has condemned Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza City, while her American counterpart Marco Rubio has pledged continued US support for its ally.

In July, Starmer announced that the UK would formally recognise Palestine as a state, following mounting pressure from his Labour Party and amid Israel’s brutal military war on Gaza, which is now nearing its two-year mark.

Starmer, however, said he would cancel the move if Israel declares a ceasefire in the war-battered enclave. His other conditions included Israel taking steps to "end the appalling situation in Gaza, committing to a two-state solution and making it clear that the occupied West Bank will not be annexed".

Instead of a ceasefire, Israel has bombed the Hamas negotiating team in Doha and launched a new ground assault on Gaza City. 

Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip has only intensified since, with the Israeli army in August announcing its intention to invade and seize control of Gaza City under the Gideon’s Chariots II operation. Around a quarter of a million residents have been forcibly displaced from there since, fearing for their lives.

The UK is expected to go ahead with its decision to recognise Palestine before a UN General Assembly meeting next week.

Starmer’s July announcement came amid a flurry of nations declaring their intention to formally recognise Palestine, as global outrage over Israel’s assault and starvation campaign in Gaza increased significantly.

Among these are Malta, Australia, Canada and France. The latter three are also expected to announce their formal recognition of Palestine at the General Assembly meeting.

Earlier this month, the UK PM met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, where they discussed the need for "an urgent solution" to end the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

Abbas welcomed the UK’s intention to recognise Palestine during their meeting, while Starmer expressed support for the leader's intention to reform the PA as part of a long-term solution for the crisis.

A total of 147 out of 193 UN member states recognise Palestine. The Duchy of Luxembourg is the latest nation to declare its intention to follow suit.