Britain to recognize Palestine as a state unless Israel agrees to an 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza

The U.K. has said it would recognize a Palestinian state unless the Israeli government ends "the appalling situation in Gaza,” as global anger mounts over Gaza.

LONDON — The United Kingdom has said it would recognize Palestine as a state unless the Israeli government “takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza,” as global anger mounts over the war in the Palestinian territory.

“We demand an immediate ceasefire to stop the slaughter, that the U.N. be allowed to send humanitarian assistance into Gaza on a continuing basis to prevent starvation, and the immediate release of the hostages,” a statement from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said Tuesday.

Of the 50 hostages who remain in the enclave, some 28 are believed to be dead.

The total number of Palestinians killed since Israel launched its military offensive in October 2023 has passed 60,000, the Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip announced earlier. Also Tuesday, the world’s leading body on hunger said the “worst-case scenario of famine” was unfolding there.