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Palestinian Arabs

UK Recognises Palestine to Protect Two-State Solution

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The UK has taken a historic step by recognising Palestine, protecting the viability of a two-state solution and creating a path towards lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people. This decision comes as the situation in Gaza worsens, with Israel's illegal settlement expansions in the West Bank and Hamas holding hostages. The UK, alongside Canada and Australia, has made it clear that Hamas will have no role in Palestine's future, and Prime Minister Yvette Cooper has reiterated the call for Hamas to release hostages immediately and unconditionally. The UK's recognition of Palestine is a crucial step in supporting a peaceful future for Israel and Palestine, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK has formally recognised Palestine to protect the viability of a two-state solution and create a path towards lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people.
  • The decision comes as the situation in Gaza worsens, with Israel's illegal settlement expansions in the West Bank and Hamas holding hostages.
  • The UK, alongside Canada and Australia, has made it clear that Hamas will have no role in Palestine's future.
  • Prime Minister Yvette Cooper has reiterated the call for Hamas to release hostages immediately and unconditionally.
  • The UK recognition of Palestine is a crucial step in supporting a peaceful future for Israel and Palestine, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.
  • The UK will continue to provide technical and financial support to the Palestinian Authority as it delivers reforms and builds the State of Palestine.
  • The UK will also work closely with its allies to advance a framework for peace, which addresses governance, security, humanitarian access, and ceasefire monitoring in Gaza.

Statistics:

  • 1950: The year the UK recognised the State of Israel.
  • 21 September 2025: The date the UK formally recognised Palestine.
  • 2022: The year the described situation in Gaza worsened, with Israel's illegal settlement expansions in the West Bank and Hamas holding hostages.
  • 1 year: The timeframe in which President Abbas has committed to organising new elections within a ceasefire.

Sources:

  • Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP. (Published 21 September 2025)
  • Yvette Cooper's statement on recognition of Palestine: Today's historic decision, taken alongside some of our closest allies, to recognise a Palestinian State, reflects our unwavering commitment to a two-state solution and affirms the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

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