Starmer Defies U.S.
At UN, UK to Back Palestinian Statehood While Targeting Hamas with Sanctions
Britain plans to recognize Palestinian statehood alongside new Hamas sanctions, drawing US criticism and concerns from hostage families.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to release a video statement announcing British recognition of a Palestinian state at 4 p.m. Israel time.
In a major diplomatic move, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state, a decision that will be accompanied by new sanctions targeting Hamas. This action is part of a coordinated effort by a group of ten Western nations, including Portugal and Australia, to advance Palestinian statehood.
The announcement, planned to coincide with the UN General Assembly session, has drawn criticism from the United States, which opposes the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. According to a report by The Telegraph, the new sanctions against Hamas are an attempt to "appease the US" and balance the political fallout.
The potential recognition has also prompted a plea from the families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. In a letter to Starmer, 16 relatives argued that the move has "dramatically complicated efforts to bring home our loved ones" and could be seen as a victory for Hamas. The letter urges Starmer to delay his decision until their family members are safely returned.
While Starmer's office has not released details on the new sanctions, The Telegraph reports that the Prime Minister will call on Hamas to disarm and declare that the group will have no role in the future governance of Gaza. This follows a recent EU decision to "reinforce" its own sanctions on Hamas leaders.
The UK's deputy prime minister, David Lammy, acknowledged that any decision to recognize a Palestinian state would not make one happen "overnight," emphasizing that it must be part of a broader peace process. This sentiment was echoed by a senior U.S. official who told that Washington believes the move is "not helpful" and is being pursued by Australia due to "transparently domestic considerations."
As the UN General Assembly gets underway, the debate over Palestinian statehood and the ongoing conflict in Gaza is expected to be a central topic, with leaders like Starmer, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu all scheduled to address the body in the coming days.