More malnutrition deaths reported in Gaza as Starmer’s statehood plan draws mixed reactions

Image source, Getty Images

Reaction to Keir Starmer’s announcement that the UK intends to recognise Palestinian statehood in September, unless Israel meets a number of conditions in the coming months, dominated most of the day’s news.

The move, welcomed by some, has drawn criticism from others. Families of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza say the plan “amounts to rewarding terrorism”.

Emily Thornberry, chair of the UK Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee, however, described it as a “major change in British foreign policy” and “absolutely the right thing to do”.

Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza is not getting better.

In the last 24 hours, more than 100 people have been killed, seven more have died from malnutrition, and 60 people have died while trying to get aid, reports Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.

Hospital sources earlier told the BBC that six Palestinians were killed near a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution centre. The Israeli military disputes the deaths.

Aid continues to trickle into the enclave – sources told the BBC just over 100 trucks entered Gaza yesterday, while Israel said more than 220 lorries entered – but Palestinians in Gaza say this is still “very limited amounts”.

We are now ending our live coverage for the day, but you can stay across further updates in our main news story.

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.

President Donald Trump publicly broke with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer after Starmer said that Britain will recognize Palestine as a state unless Israel meets specific conditions related to its actions in the war-torn Gaza Strip.

The U.S. “is not in that camp,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Why It Matters

Israel has been waging a war with Hamas in Gaza since the group carried out a terrorist attack on Israeli soil on October 7, 2023. In the nearly two years since, Israel has unleashed a devastating counterattack in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands of people, many of whom were children.

The Israeli government has come under additional scrutiny over the last several days, after multiple news outlets published photos and other accounts showing widespread starvation gripping the Gaza Strip.

US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Trump International Golf Links, the president’s Menie golf course in Aberdeenshire. US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Trump International Golf Links, the president’s Menie golf course in Aberdeenshire. Associated Press

What To Know

Starmer said earlier Tuesday that Britain will recognize Palestine in September unless Israel meets specific conditions, including allowing for a ceasefire, permitting United Nations aid into the territory as it battles a hunger crisis bordering on famine and more.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that recognizing Palestine would serve Hamas and that the U.S. “is not in that camp,” Axios’ Barak Ravid wrote on X.

The U.S. president’s comments breaking with Starmer came after he separately told reporters earlier, “I don’t mind him taking a position” on Palestinian statehood.

Starmer said Tuesday that Britain will recognize a state of Palestine before the UN General Assembly, “unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution.”

He added: “And this includes allowing the UN to restart the supply of aid, and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank.”

The UK prime minister has faced mounting pressure from Britons to take action on the Israel-Gaza conflict, especially in light of the widespread starvation ravaging the strip. Starmer convened a rare summertime Cabinet meeting to discuss the situation and he also separately spoke to Trump about the crisis, according to the Associated Press.

Starmer’s ultimatum regarding Palestinian statehood came after French President Emmanuel Macron said last week that France will recognize Palestine as a state in September, making it the first Group of Seven (G7) power and the largest European country to take that step.

More than 140 countries recognize a Palestinian state, including about a dozen European nations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blasted Starmer over the UK’s decision, saying it “rewards Hamas’ monstrous terrorism” and “punishes its victims,” according to Sky News.

The Israeli leader added: “Appeasement towards jihadists terrorists always fails. It will fail you, too. It will not happen.”

What People Are Saying

Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, told The Telegraph Starmer’s announcement was a “slap in the face” for the victims of October 7 and “rewards Hamas,” adding: “It allows it to continue. It gives one group hope, and that’s Hamas. It is a rewarding of that kind of behavior.”

She said: “There’s one group that benefits from the images, the reality of the horribleness, and that’s Hamas. And so there’s a reason why they don’t cooperate and stop.”

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said at a UN meeting on Tuesday: “Our support for Israel, its right to exist, and the security of its people, is steadfast. However, the Balfour Declaration came with the solemn promise that nothing shall be done, nothing which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of the Palestinian people as well. And colleagues, this has not been upheld, and it is a historical injustice which continues to unfold.”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot posted on X: “The United Kingdom is joining the momentum created by France for the recognition of the state of Palestine.”

Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon responded to the two-state solution conference at the UN and to the UK’s announcement: “Israel has already agreed many times to a ceasefire. No token recognition and no UN resolution will change the basic fact that there are those in the world who fight terrorists and extremist forces and then there are those who turn a blind eye to them or rest to appeasement. The State of Israel will not lower its waiver after Hamas atrocities of October 7th. We will do whatever is necessary to bring home the hostages and defeat Hamas.”

What Happens Next

Both the UK and France are set to recognize Palestine as a state in September if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza and allow for the resumption of humanitarian aid via the UN.

Update 7/29/25, 3:29 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional information and comments.

The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces that the UK will recognise the state of Palestine in September, amid famine situation in Gaza.

UK to recognise Palestinian state in September unless Gaza situation changes

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday announced that his country will recognise the state of Palestine by September, unless Israel takes “substantive steps” to end its war on Gaza and commit to a genuine peace process.

A government statement released following an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday said Starmer indicated the recognition could take place before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Recommended Stories list of 1 item list 1 of 1 UK to recognise Palestine unless Israel agrees to ceasefire end of list

The United Kingdom’s decision comes days after Emmanuel Macron, the French president, said his country will recognise the state of Palestine.

Here is what we know about the announcement and its implications.

What did Starmer say?

Starmer’s announcement is being seen as a big change in British foreign policy.

“I’ve always said we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution,” Starmer said.

“With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act.”

He added: “So today, as part of this process towards peace, I can confirm that the UK will recognise the state of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza.”

Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy, attending a UN conference in New York led by France and Saudi Arabia to promote the two-state solution, echoed the sentiment.

Lammy said it was “with the hand of history on our shoulders” that London planned to recognise Palestinian statehood, given Britain’s pivotal role in Israel’s creation through the 1917 Balfour Declaration.

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Why now?

Responding to questions about the time of this decision, Starmer cited the “intolerable” conditions in Gaza and growing alarm over the weakening prospects for a two-state solution.

He said he wanted to ensure that the decision “plays a part in changing the conditions on the ground, making sure that aid gets in”.

“It’s done now because I am particularly concerned that the very idea of a two-state solution is reducing, and it feels further way today than it has for many years,” he said.

The announcement came after an emergency cabinet meeting, highlighting the growing political pressure from within his Labour Party.

The UK prime minister has been facing public pressure over Israel’s devastating war on Gaza, which experts and rights organisations have dubbed an act of genocide.

Israel has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians since it launched its offensive on October 7, 2023. Israel says its military onslaught was in response to the Hamas-led attacks that left at least 1,139 people dead in Israel, but rights groups have slammed its scorched earth tactics in Gaza.

Starmer emphasised that the recognition of Palestine has long been a part of Labour Party policy and forms a central pillar of a broader peace initiative that the government has been developing over time.

“As our election manifesto said, Palestinian statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. It is not in the gift of any neighbour and is also essential to the long-term security of Israel,” a statement issued by the prime minister’s office said.

“We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to a renewed peace process which results in a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.”

What specific conditions did Starmer set for recognising Palestine?

Starmer laid out a series of conditions he said Israel must fulfil if it wishes the UK not to recognise Palestinian statehood, which include:

Take substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza

Agree to a ceasefire

Commit to a long-term, sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution

Allow the UN to restart the supply of aid

Make clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank.

The prime minister also reiterated the demands that remain in place for Hamas, which are:

Release all captives

Sign up to a ceasefire

Commit to disarmament

Acknowledge that they will play no part in the government of Gaza.

The UK government will assess the extent to which the two parties, Israel and Hamas, have met its conditions before taking a call in September.

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What does recognising Palestine as a state mean, and which other countries have done so?

As of now, the State of Palestine is recognised as a sovereign nation by 147 of the 193 UN member states, about 75 percent of the international community.

Three other European countries, Spain, Ireland, and Norway, officially recognised Palestine last year.

France will recognise a Palestinian state during the UNGA in September.

According to experts, the recognition may have limited practical effect, but diplomatically, it could be significant, potentially pressuring the US, one of Israel’s main backers, to reconsider its stance.

“Even if this is not a big step in the humanitarian sense – if you are starving in Gaza, these words of diplomats and politicians maybe don’t matter that much – but diplomatically, this is massive. And what really struck me was the specificity of Starmer’s demands,” William Lawrence, a former US diplomat, told Al Jazeera.

“And if the whole world, all turn to Trump with that sort of specific outline and common cause, it will have an effect on Trump. All of this matters, even if it doesn’t fix the problem instantaneously. Everyone is moving in the right direction now, both in terms of pressuring Israel and in terms of pressuring the United States,” Lawrence added.

Is the UK really preparing to recognise Palestine?

According to Al Jazeera’s Milena Veselinovic, Starmer is currently under significant pressure.

“He is under a lot of pressure, domestically, here from the public, as well as from his own members of parliament to make some move on this issue; people have been moved by those images of people starving in the last few days,” Veselinovic said while reporting from London.

Last week, 221 members of parliament from nine political parties signed a letter addressed to Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, urging them to recognise a Palestinian state. That number has since risen to 255.

221 MPs, from 9 parties, have sent a joint letter to the Prime Minister & Foreign Secretary urging them to recognise Palestine as a state now pic.twitter.com/b2hbX2XCGR — Sarah Champion (@SarahChampionMP) July 25, 2025

Veselinovic added that the UK is not promising to recognise a Palestinian state.

“[This is not] like when the French President Macron said he will do that, he will recognise the Palestine state in September, this is a way of pressure that the UK government is hoping to apply on the Israeli government to try to improve the conditions on the ground in Gaza,” she added.

Will it have any practical effect on the situation in Gaza?

Lammy, the UK foreign secretary, said the move will hopefully “affect the situation on the ground” and lead to a ceasefire in Gaza.

The world had seen “the most horrific scenes” in Gaza and the time had come to “abate the suffering of the Palestinian people”, he said speaking at the UN.

Scepticism, however, remains high as some question the sincerity behind recent announcements.

Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Bishara said leaders, including Starmer and Macron, continue to support Israel in its war on Gaza.

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“We need to see some measures being taken other than just lofty rhetoric, because they are in no position to be talking about peace and justice when they are accomplices in genocide,” he said.

Bishara also criticised the lack of specifics from the two leaders when they announced their plans to recognise a Palestinian state.

“Is it a state in 10 percent of the West Bank? Or is it a state on all territories occupied in 1967 – including East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza – as contiguous sovereign territories?” he added.

How has Israel responded?

“Starmer rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism & punishes its victims,” Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said on X.

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said the UK move “harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of hostages”, adding that Starmer’s announcement followed “the French move and internal political pressures”.

France became the first G7 member to announce its intention to recognise a Palestinian state, with President Macron describing the decision as part of the country’s “historical commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East”.

PM says Israel must take major steps in coming weeks or the UK will make its move ahead of UN General Assembly in September.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told his cabinet that the United Kingdom will recognise the state of Palestine by September unless Israel takes “substantive steps” to end its war on Gaza and commits to a lasting peace process.

According to a government statement issued after an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Starmer said the move could come before the United Nations General Assembly in New York unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire, halts plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, and supports a political path towards a two-state solution.

“[Starmer] reiterated that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas and that our demands on Hamas remain, that they must release all the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, accept that they will play no role in the government of Gaza, and disarm,” the statement added.

Starmer interrupted ministers’ summer holidays to discuss a draft European-led peace initiative and plans to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the UN has warned of looming famine.

While past UK governments have supported Palestinian statehood “when the time is right”, none has publicly tied it to a specific deadline or laid out preconditions so explicitly.

Israel criticised the UK following the announcement, calling it a “reward for Hamas” that would only undermine diplomatic efforts to end the war on Gaza.

In a statement posted on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry claimed the UK’s move would damage any chance of a new ceasefire. Israel broke the last negotiated ceasefire in March.

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Starmer informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the plan in a phone call before making it public, Reuters reported. Details of the conversation have not been disclosed.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has denied having any talks with Starmer about Britain’s recognition plans.

“We never did discuss it,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday.

Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, said the country’s formal recognition of Palestine would hold “particular historical and moral weight”.

“It represents a meaningful step in addressing the deep injustice rooted in the colonial-era Balfour Declaration and the decades of systematic denial of Palestinian rights that followed,” he wrote on X, referring to Britain’s 1917 declaration endorsing the establishment of a Jewish homeland that helped pave the way to the state of Israel.

Zomlot wrote that recognition of Palestine must be part of a broader process rooted in justice and international law.

“It is not a stand-alone solution and must be accompanied by the full and equal application of international law, beginning with an immediate end to the genocide in Gaza, followed by reconstruction and full accountability for the war crimes committed against the Palestinian people,” he added.

‘The right time’

The proposal, backed by a growing number of MPs within Starmer’s own Labour Party, would mark a major shift in the UK’s position, as successive governments have long delayed recognition, citing the need for “the right time”.

With pressure mounting from within Starmer’s own party, his position appears to have shifted. More than half of Labour’s backbench MPs have signed a letter urging the government to formally recognise a Palestinian state as leverage to push Israel towards peace.

Speaking to reporters, Starmer defended the timing and conditions of the announcement, saying the decision was driven by the “intolerable situation” in Gaza and a fear that the two-state solution was slipping out of reach.

“This is intended to further that cause,” he said. “It’s done now because I’m particularly concerned that the idea of a two-state solution is reducing and feels further away today than it has for many years.”

He added that recognition of Palestine would be part of an eight-point peace plan the UK has been developing with European partners. Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron said France would formally recognise Palestine as a state, becoming the largest and most influential European nation to do so. European Union members Norway, Spain and the Republic of Ireland have previously said they recognise the State of Palestine.

Labour MP Sarah Champion, who organised the letter to Starmer, said there will never be a perfect moment to recognise Palestinian statehood, but warned this might be the last chance.

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“What we do have, however, is the perfect storm to prevent a two-state solution ever happening,” she said. “It is now or never if we believe in Palestinians’ right to recognition.”

Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Marwan Bishara said leaders including Starmer and Macron continue to support Israel in its war on Gaza.

“We need to see some measures being taken other than just lofty rhetoric, because they are in no position to be talking about peace and justice when they are accomplices in genocide,” he said.

Bishara also criticised the lack of specifics from the two leaders when they announced their plans to recognise a Palestinian state.

“Is it a state in 10 percent of the West Bank? Or is it a state on all territories occupied in 1967 – including East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza – as contiguous sovereign territories?” he asked.

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