British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told the UK Cabinet that the UK will recognize a Palestinian state in September, unless the Israeli government takes "substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza," Starmer's office announced on Tuesday afternoon.
Israel must also make clear that there will be no annexation in the West Bank, Starmer threatened.
The timing of the recognition will be before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the announcement added.
"Our overwhelming concern is for the Israeli hostages and the people of Gaza. We must do all we can to end the current suffering and change the situation on the ground," he said.
"We demand an immediate ceasefire to stop the slaughter, that the UN be allowed to send humanitarian assistance into Gaza on a continuing basis to prevent starvation, and the immediate release of the hostages. We support the US, Qatari, and Egyptian governments in their attempts to bring about a ceasefire," he added.
Starmer also reaffirmed that Hamas is a terrorist organization responsible for atrocities, including the October 7 massacre, and "must never be rewarded."
"We have been unequivocal in our condemnation of those evil attacks, and our support for the right of the State of Israel to self-defence. Hamas must immediately release all the hostages, sign up to an immediate ceasefire, accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza, and commit to disarmament," he said.
"We will make an assessment ahead of UNGA on how far the parties have met these steps. No one side will have a veto on recognition through their actions or inactions. But recognition by itself will not change the situation on the ground," he added, explaining the UK's process for future recognition of a Palestinian state.
"We also believe that a ceasefire will not last without urgent work on governance and security in Gaza, and the prospect of a long-term political settlement. We are therefore preparing a plan with our key allies for longer-term political negotiations and a two-state solution," he commented.
"This must be accompanied by the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the removal of Hamas leadership from Gaza as key steps towards a negotiated two-state solution. We welcome the steps announced by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and these should be the basis for a comprehensive reform of the Palestinian Authority," Starmer added.
Israeli officials, British Jewish community, respond to Starmer's statement
"Starmer rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism & punishes its victims. A jihadist state on Israel’s border TODAY will threaten Britain TOMORROW. Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. It will fail you too. It will not happen," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in response to Starmer's announcement.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry also responded to Starmer's statements.
"Israel rejects the statement by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom," the ministry stated on X/Twitter.
"The shift in the British government’s position at this time, following the French move and internal political pressures, constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of hostages," the ministry's statement continued, referencing French President Emmanuel Macron's similar announcement on Thursday.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews released a statement on Tuesday evening announcing that they are seeking clarification from the government on the statement.
"We are seeking urgent clarification from the UK Government that it will not recognise a State of Palestine in September if Israel's hostages continue to remain in Hamas captivity or if Hamas continues to reject the ceasefire, as it did last week," the board wrote.
"We must neither forsake the hostages nor reward Hamas terror or intransigence," they added.
The board also noted that they will hold a special meeting to discuss the "rapidly changing events in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank."
MK Gilad Kariv (The Democrats) also responded, stating, "Renewing the political process between Jerusalem and Ramallah and moving toward separation for peace and the establishment of a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside Israel are a primary Israeli and Zionist interest."
"The political tsunami approaching Israel is merely a reminder that closing our eyes and ignoring it are not viable options. The reason to move in this direction with courage is not international isolation but the need to ensure the future of our children and grandchildren in this land," Kariv added.
Foreign Minister reiterates comments at UN conference
British Foreign Minister David Lammy attended a UN Conference on The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution earlier on Tuesday.
During his speech, Lammy reiterated the UK's support for a ceasefire and core role in providing the groundwork for founding the State of Israel.
"There is no better vision for the future of the region than two states. Israelis living within secure borders, recognised and at peace with their neighbours, free from the threat of terrorism. And Palestinians living in their own state, in dignity and security, free of occupation," Lammy added.
"The decades-long conflict between Israelis and Palestinians cannot be managed or contained. It must now be resolved. Britain is ready to play its full and historic part," he concluded.