A total of 125 British Members of Parliament have signed a cross-party letter urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to formally recognise the State of Palestine.
The letter, reportedly spearheaded by Labour backbencher Sarah Champion, Chair of the International Development Committee, argues that British recognition of Palestine would carry historical and moral weight, given the UK’s role in issuing the Balfour Declaration and its past colonial administration of the region.
“British recognition of Palestine would be particularly powerful,” the lawmakers wrote, “given its role as the author of the Balfour Declaration and the former Mandatory Power in Palestine. Since 1980, we have backed a two-state solution. Such a recognition would give that position substance as well as live up to a historic responsibility.”
This call comes on the heels of France’s announcement that it will recognise Palestine as a state. President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on his official X (formerly Twitter) account that France would make its formal declaration at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
“In line with our historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine,” Macron stated.
He stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, humanitarian aid for civilians, and the demilitarisation of Hamas. Macron further emphasized that any future Palestinian state must fully recognise Israel and contribute to lasting regional security.
“The French people want peace in the Middle East,” he added. “It is our responsibility — as French citizens, alongside Israelis, Palestinians, and our global partners — to prove that peace is possible.”
Macron also revealed that he had informed the Palestinian Authority President of his plans.
France’s decision increases the number of countries recognising Palestine to at least 146. However, key global powers like the United States continue to withhold formal recognition. U.S. Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, publicly criticised France’s decision, calling it “a gift to Hamas and a blow to peace.”
“Free the hostages. Focus on a ceasefire. This is the path to lasting peace,” Kushner posted on X, expressing disappointment and urging Macron to reconsider.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the move, saying it undermines efforts for peace and rewards terrorism.
“We strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state,” Netanyahu said. “Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became. A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it.”
Despite the backlash, the momentum for Palestinian statehood recognition appears to be growing, with mounting international pressure on Western leaders to take definitive action towards a two-state solution.
