Britain has announced it will recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza, stops building settlements in the West Bank, and commits to a two-state solution.

Starmer’s close ally Emmanuel Macron also announced his own plan for France to recognise Palestine last week – becoming the first G7 country to do so. Starmer initially refused, saying it had to be part of a wider plan for peace. But, after his declaration on Tuesday, the prime minister has denied this new decision is a U-turn to appease angry MPs.

Two government officials said Britain was actively weighing the recognition of a Palestinian state, in a shift driven by public pressure over starvation in Gaza.