Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK now formally recognises a Palestinian state.
"Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly - as prime minister of this great country - that the United Kingdom formally recognises the state of Palestine," he said in a video statement.
While announcing the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state, Starmer said the manmade crisis in Gaza has reached new depths.
“The starvation and devastation are utterly intolerable," Starmer stated.
Tens of thousands have been killed, he said, including people as they collect food and water.
"This death and destruction horrifies all of us," he adds.
"Some sick and injured children have been evacuated, and we have increased humanitarian aid support but nowhere near enough aid is getting through. We call on the Israeli government to lift the restrictions at the border. Stop these cruel tactics and let the aid surge in," continued the PM.
Israel has previously denied that there are restrictions on aid.
Earlier, Canada became the first G7 nation to recognise a Palestinian state, closely followed by Australia.
"Effective today, Sunday the 21st of September 2025, the Commonwealth of Australia formally recognises the independent and sovereign State of Palestine," said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
"In doing so, Australia recognises the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own."
Albanese added that the recognition, alongside Canada and the United Kingdom, is part of a coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution, starting with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages taken in the atrocities of October 7, 2023.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously opposed countries recognising Palestinian statehood, saying it "rewards Hamas terror" and "hardens" the group's "refusal to free hostages."
Families of those still being held in Gaza have also expressed concern - in an open letter to Starmer, they say recognition "complicates efforts to bring home our loved ones."
