Successive UK governments have said recognition of a Palestinian state should be part of a peace process at a time when it can have maximum impact.
In July, amid the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and under growing pressure from his own MPs, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer decided that time was now.
He announced the UK would recognise a Palestinian state in September, coinciding with the UN General Assembly, unless Israel met certain conditions.
Those included agreeing to a ceasefire and committing to a long-term sustainable peace that delivers a two-state solution.
Downing Street knew the conditions were unlikely to be met, with the current Israeli government strongly opposed to progressing towards a two-state solution.
