Netanyahu, Trump Criticize Starmer's Planned Palestine Recognition

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK will recognize the state of Palestine in September if Israel does not take substantive steps to end the Gaza conflict, including agreeing to a ceasefire and halting annexations in the West Bank. This pledge has been strongly criticized by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, who argue that it rewards Hamas' terrorism and punishes Israel, the victim of attacks. Netanyahu described the move as supporting "monster terrorism" and warned that a jihadist state on Israel’s border could threaten the UK in the future. Former UK Attorney General Sir Michael Ellis also condemned Starmer’s decision, calling it weak and a capitulation to pressure following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, describing the recognition as a reward for terrorism. The Israeli Foreign Ministry similarly rejected Starmer’s statement, emphasizing that the recognition could undermine efforts toward peace. The UK government maintains that recognition is intended to contribute to reviving the two-state solution at a critical juncture amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.