U.K. to Recognize Palestinian State Unless Israel Agrees to Ceasefire, Says British PM

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the U.K. will recognize a Palestinian state in September if Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza and takes steps towards long-term peace. Starmer held a cabinet meeting to discuss the situation in Gaza and emphasized that Britain will recognize a Palestinian state before the United Nations General Assembly unless Israel makes significant efforts to end the crisis in Gaza, agrees to a ceasefire, halts annexation in the West Bank, and commits to a lasting peace process for a two-state solution.

Starmer's statement follows French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France will be the first G7 country to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming General Assembly. Both Israel and Hamas are under pressure to reach an agreement after nearly two years of conflict, with deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza and concerns about the treatment of hostages.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reiterated Canada's support for a two-state solution with a free and viable Palestine living peacefully alongside Israel. Canada will not immediately recognize Palestinian statehood but continues to back the idea of a two-state solution. Ottawa has allocated $10 million for the Palestinian Authority's preparations to govern a recognized country encompassing Gaza and the West Bank, along with an additional $30 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Macron's decision, warning that a Palestinian state under current circumstances could pose a threat to Israel's security. Netanyahu argued that Palestinians aim to replace Israel rather than coexist with it.