Petrol Price lowest since he was elected.[Photo Credit: UK Prime Minister’s office]

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that the United Kingdom has officially recognised Palestine as an independent state.

According to Mr Starmer, the decision aims to preserve prospects for peace and reaffirm the UK’s commitment to securing the release of Israeli hostages. “In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East, we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and of a two-state solution,” he said in a video statement.

The move comes just days before the opening of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where Palestinian sovereignty will be a major topic of debate. The UK now joins a growing list of countries recognising Palestine, including Canada, Australia, Nigeria, and many African nations. At least 142 of the 193 UN member states have already recognised or pledged to recognise Palestine.

Mr Starmer also pledged new sanctions against senior figures in Hamas, stressing that the group would have no role in the future of a Palestinian state. He described Hamas as a “brutal terrorist organisation that wants to see Israel destroyed,” and argued that recognition strengthens efforts toward a two-state solution rather than Hamas.

Growing International Momentum

Canada and Australia also announced formal recognition of Palestinian statehood over the weekend. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said, “Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”

The UK government had previously maintained that recognition should occur at a “moment of maximum impact,” but the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel’s ongoing military operations prompted a shift in policy. Over 60,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza amid ongoing Israeli strikes, while settlers and soldiers continue attacks across the occupied West Bank.

With the humanitarian crisis deepening, more countries are expected to follow suit in recognizing Palestine, framing the move as a step toward ending decades of conflict and occupation and reviving the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.