That's what it's about

• The British government plans to recognize Palestine as a state in September.
• Prime Minister Keir Starmer is demanding substantial measures from Israel to improve the situation in Gaza.
• Without these measures, recognition will go to the UN General Assembly.

The United Kingdom will recognize the statehood of Palestine in September, before the United Nations General Assembly, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Tuesday, according to the BBC.

Unless the Israeli government takes substantial action to end the appalling situation in Gaza, achieves a ceasefire, makes clear that there will be no annexation in the West Bank, and commits to a long-term peace process that delivers a two-state solution, the British Prime Minister said.

A secure Israel alongside a viable Palestine

I have always said that we will recognize a Palestinian state as a contribution to a peace process at the point when it will have the greatest impact on the two-state solution, Starmer said. With that solution now under threat, it is time to act.

Starmer said the United Kingdom's goal remains a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. However, Starmer said this goal is under pressure like never before.

Demands on Hamas are still the same

Starmer reiterated that there was no equation between Israel and Hamas, and that Britain's demands on Hamas remained valid – namely, that they release all hostages, agree to a ceasefire, accept that they will play no role in governing Gaza, and lay down their weapons.

Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he would officially recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. The United Kingdom would then be the second G7 country to recognize a Palestinian state. Germany has not yet done so and, according to the German government, does not plan to recognize a Palestinian state in the short term.