UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Palestinian leader Mahmud
Abbas in London, signaling Britain’s shift toward formally recognising a
Palestinian state.
According to a statement from Starmer's Downing Street office, the leaders talked about "the need for an urgent solution to end the horrific suffering and famine" in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
According to the spokeswoman, Abbas praised the UK's "promise to recognize a Palestinian state ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting later this month, unless Israel changes its course."
At the United Nations later this month, a number of nations, notably France and Britain, have declared their intention to recognize a Palestinian state.
If Israel does not agree to a ceasefire in the disastrous war in Gaza, which was sparked by an October 2023 attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Starmer's government has stated that it will take the action.
If the Israeli government doesn't take "substantive" action to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Gaza and commit to a lasting, sustainable peace, the British leader has stated he will do that in the upcoming weeks.
Prior to the bilateral, Downing Street stated that his meeting with Abbas "is part of the prime minister's ongoing efforts to reach a political solution to the on-going conflict in Gaza."
Both leaders reaffirmed the need for a "long-term solution" to the issue and "agreed there will be absolutely no role for Hamas in the future governance of Palestine" during their discussions.
Abbas, 89, began his three-day tour to London on Sunday evening.
Last month, the US State Department prohibited him from going to the general assembly in New York.
Abbas's "commitment to reform of the Palestinian Authority as a vital part of this work" was "welcomed" by Starmer during their meeting, according to his office.
Three million Palestinians and nearly half a million Israelis reside in the West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority, a civilian organization, rules over settlements that are forbidden by international law.
Isaac Herzog, the president of Israel, will make an official visit to the UK on Tuesday, according to a Monday announcement from his office.
Herzog's visit, which is intended to "show solidarity with the Jewish community, which is under severe attack and facing a wave of antisemitism," does not appear to include a meeting with Starmer.
According to his office, the Israeli president is scheduled to meet with Jewish community organizations, "members of parliament, public representatives (and) influencers," and others.
Britain and Israel's relationship is becoming more strained due to the Gaza conflict; London has decided not to allow Israeli officials to the UK's largest arms show, which opens on Tuesday, and has suspended trade negotiations and some arms shipments.
How might UK recognition influence peace negotiations in the region?
Recognition would elevate the political prestige of the
Palestinian Authority (PA) and the broader Palestinian cause at the
international level, and would reframe the nature of the conflict from one
involving a non-state actor (Hamas) to a two-state conflict. A two-state
context may support a more formal negotiation strategy.
It indicates greater international support for Palestinian self-determination in general, and could increase pressure on Israel to engage in meaningful discussions regarding peace talks and concessions such as halting settlement expansion and lifting blockades.
Official recognition would classify the conflict under international law as an interstate conflict rather than a domestic or asymmetric one, which could activate different legal obligations and accountability mechanisms regarding violations.