Britain is increasingly considering recognizing a Palestinian state amid growing public outrage over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and mounting pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer from within his Labour Party. While Starmer has long supported Palestinian statehood in principle, he has been cautious about immediate recognition, viewing it as largely symbolic and potentially harmful to delicate cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. However, more than 250 MPs from various parties have urged the government to act swiftly, arguing Britain’s historic role in the creation of Israel lends weight to such a move and signals solidarity with Palestinians suffering under the blockade.

Starmer has also faced pressure from his cabinet, leading to an emergency meeting on the Gaza conflict and discussions with President Trump at his Scottish golf resort. Trump expressed no opposition to Britain recognizing Palestine and emphasized addressing starvation in Gaza as the top priority. He also agreed to collaborate with Britain and other European nations to improve humanitarian aid delivery, criticizing existing systems that have resulted in deadly incidents at aid sites.

The debate puts Starmer in a difficult position: as a former human rights lawyer, he is committed to upholding international law, but he is wary of symbolic acts that might complicate diplomatic efforts or create legal uncertainties, such as whether Palestine meets criteria for statehood and diplomatic recognition.

Britain has already taken some steps against Israeli policies, including suspending arms shipments and sanctioning far-right Israeli officials accused of inciting violence. It has also restored funding to UN Palestinian relief efforts. Other European countries, including France, Norway, Spain, and Ireland, have recognized Palestine, with France leading the Group of Seven in this shift.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned these recognitions, warning that a Palestinian state could threaten Israel’s security. The British government’s decision on recognition remains imminent amid intense political and humanitarian pressures.