In a historic shift breaking decades of British policy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday officially recognized the State of Palestine.

 

Starmer justified the decision as coming at a critical moment, noting that hope for a two-state solution “is fading, but we cannot let this light go out.”

 

He added: “Today we join over 150 countries who recognize a Palestinian State too, a pledge to the Palestinian and Israeli people.”

  

However, the Prime Minister took a firmer stance against Hamas and said: “This solution is not a reward for Hamas…Because it means Hamas can have no future. No role in government, no role in security.” 

 

Additionally, he called for the immediate release of the captives in Gaza, announcing that sanctions would be applied to Hamas officials in the coming weeks. 

 

The UK announcement is part of a coordinated international effort, with Canada and Australia making similar moves ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.