UN On the Verge

Erdogan's UN Plan: Can He Force a Palestinian State Among World Leaders Clash?

Turkish President Erdogan plans to advocate for Palestinian statehood at the UN, while British officials caution against hasty recognition amid ongoing regional tensions.

Lara Sukster Mosheyof

SEP 21, 2025 11:43

2 min read

As global leaders convene for the UN General Assembly, the debate over a two-state solution and the future of Palestine has come to a head, with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and a top British official offering different perspectives.

Speaking to reporters before his departure for New York, Turkish President Erdogan stated he plans to raise the issue of what he called Israel's "massacres" in Gaza during his UN address. He expressed hope that a broader international recognition of a Palestinian state would accelerate the peace process. During his trip, Erdogan also mentioned he would hold meetings with both U.S. President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

UK Says Recognition Won't Happen "Overnight"

Meanwhile, Britain's deputy prime minister, David Lammy, cautioned that recognizing a Palestinian state would not make one a reality "overnight." Lammy told Sky News that such a step must be part of a larger, comprehensive peace process.

"Any step to recognize it is because we wish to keep alive the prospects of a two-state solution," he said.

This statement comes as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepares to make a decision on the matter. Starmer had previously indicated that Britain would recognize Palestine if certain conditions were met, including a ceasefire, increased aid to Gaza, and a commitment to a two-state solution. However, Lammy noted that since Starmer's July announcement, the prospects for peace have become "bleak," citing an attack on Qatar and Israel's continued settlement expansion.

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