The U.K. will recognize a Palestinian state in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement on Tuesday.
Starmer wanted to ensure the move "plays a part in changing conditions on the ground in Gaza," the statement read.
The U.K. would reconsider if Israel "takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza and commits to a long-term sustainable peace, including through allowing the UN to restart without delay the supply of humanitarian support to the people of Gaza to end starvation, agreeing to a cease-fire, and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank."
The statement echoed France's promise on Thursday to recognize the state in September.
The New York Times reported that internal British political pressure was building because of the escalating humanitarian crisis, with MPs and cabinet members urging recognition of Palestine at a UN summit this week devoted to a two-state solution.
