TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Two countries plan to follow France's lead and recognize Palestine as a state in September. They are the UK and Malta.
On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK is prepared to recognize Palestine as a state in September at the United Nations General Assembly. The recognition is in response to the increasing public outrage over images of starving children in Gaza.
Starmer spoke a day after talks in Scotland with U.S. President Donald Trump. He said he had no objection to the UK recognizing Palestine, despite Washington's longstanding opposition.
The UK will become the second Western power in the UN Security Council to recognize Palestine after France did so last week. Starmer said the UK will recognize Palestine unless Israel takes substantive steps to allow more aid to enter Gaza. He emphasized that there would be no annexation of the West Bank and committed to a long-term peace process that produces a two-state solution. The Palestinian state will live alongside Israel in peace.
"The Palestinian people have endured terrible suffering," Starmer told reporters as quoted by Al Arabiya. "Now, in Gaza, because of a catastrophic failure of aid, we see starving babies, children too weak to stand, images that will stay with us for a lifetime. The suffering must end."
Starmer called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before announcing the decision. In a post on X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said that the UK's move was a gift to Hamas and harmed efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.
In addition to the UK, Malta will also recognize Palestine as a state during the UN General Assembly in September. Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Tuesday night, a few hours after a similar statement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"Our country’s position reflects our commitment to finding a solution in favor of lasting peace in the Middle East," said Abela in a Facebook post.
The Mediterranean EU member island has a history of supporting the Palestinian struggle. Malta has supported the efforts for a two-state solution.
Abela first announced the plan to recognize Palestine as a state in May. He said it would be done at the United Nations conference in June, but the conference was postponed. Ireland, Norway, and Spain recognized Palestine as an independent state last May.
Editor's Choice: UK to Recognize State of Palestine Before 2029 General Election
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Poll Shows Sharp Decline in American Support for Israel's Genocide in Gaza
6 menit lalu
According to Gallup, as reported by Al Jazeera, just 32 percent of Americans currently approve of Israel's military actions in Gaza.
Israel Frees Settler Accused of Killing Oscar-Winning Palestinian Film Consultant
59 menit lalu
Awdah Hathaleen, 31 years old, a consultant in the Oscar-winning Palestinian documentary No Other Land, was killed by an illegal Israeli settler on Monday.
Trump Proposes Israel Take Lead in Distributing US Aid to Gaza
5 jam lalu
President Donald Trump said Israel will lead the distribution of food delivered from the US to the residents of Gaza.
662 Days of Genocide in Gaza: Death Toll Exceeds 60,000
22 jam lalu
The Gaza Ministry of Health stated that over 60,000 Palestinians have become victims of the Israeli genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
Indonesia Urges UN Members Not to Veto Palestine's Full Membership Bid
23 jam lalu
Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir has called for no veto to be applied against Palestine's bid for full membership in the UN.
Israel Accused of Torturing Black Activist on Gaza-Bound Aid Ship Handala
1 hari lalu
An activist from the black American humanitarian organization aboard the Handala aid ship bound for Gaza was attacked upon arrival at an Israeli prison.
UK to Recognize State of Palestine Before 2029 General Election
1 hari lalu
The UK Government will recognize Palestine before the next general election in 2029, according to UK Minister of Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds.
Putin, Netanyahu Discuss Iran and Syria Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
1 hari lalu
Vladimir Putin spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to discuss Middle East tensions, particularly involving Iran and Syria.
Trump Acknowledges Child Hunger in Gaza: 'You Can't Fake That'
1 hari lalu
Trump challenged a previous claim by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who denied there is hunger in Gaza.
Indonesia and the UK Draft AI Regulations for Six Sectors
1 hari lalu
Vice Minister of Komdigi Nezar Patria stated that both parties are currently drafting AI regulations targeted to be completed by the end of July 2025.
