Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer plans to formally recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly later this month, a move that has drawn criticism from his former extremism adviser, who said it risks rewarding violence by Hamas.
Lord Walney, an ex-Labour MP who stepped down from government duties in February, wrote in the Telegraph that recognising a Palestinian state while hostages taken in the October 7 attacks remain in Gaza would reduce incentives for Hamas to compromise and could increase antisemitism in the UK. "By offering up state recognition now, Britain risks reducing incentives for Hamas to compromise and, worse, sends a troubling message that terrorism can be rewarded," he wrote, adding that Hamas had hailed the announcement as a victory.
Sir Keir signalled in July that the UK would withhold recognition only if Israel took a number of steps: allowing more humanitarian aid into Gaza, halting annexation in the West Bank, agreeing a ceasefire and committing to a long-term peace process. Downing Street officials say those conditions have not been met.
Opponents of immediate recognition point to the continued detention of hostages taken on October 7, which the notes accompanying the criticism put at 48 people still in captivity. Supporters of recognition argue that several other countries are either preparing to or have already recognised a Palestinian state amid growing international concern over the humanitarian toll of Israel's military operations in Gaza.
The proposed move has also heightened bilateral tensions with Israel. Last week Israel's President Isaac Herzog met Sir Keir at Number 10 in what both sides described as a difficult discussion. Speaking later at Chatham House, Mr Herzog said he had offered a "fact-finding mission" to study the humanitarian situation in Gaza and defended Israeli transparency on the issue. He said the two leaders "argued out of respect" and agreed on other issues such as the threat from Iran and the need to end Hamas's control of Gaza.
At the same event, Mr Herzog rejected accusations that Israel's policy aims to expel Palestinians from Gaza. He noted that, while harsh rhetoric from some ministers has caused alarm, it does not reflect formal Israeli policy, saying Israel is a democracy with wide free speech protections but that expulsion is not the government's intention.
Domestic political figures have taken differing positions. Lord Walney described the move as "a low point for Britain's international influence" and warned of consequences for community relations in the UK. Government ministers have framed recognition as a diplomatic step intended to advance a two-state outcome and to respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Internationally, diplomatic responses have varied. Some governments have accelerated or signalled plans to recognise a Palestinian state in recent months, driven in part by concerns about civilian casualties and access for humanitarian organisations. Others have urged continued negotiation and conditional steps tied to security and diplomatic arrangements.
Analysts say recognition could have a mixed impact: it may strengthen diplomatic levers for Palestinians and reflect shifting international sentiment, but it also risks complicating immediate efforts to secure hostage releases and to shape negotiations between Israel and Palestinian authorities. The UK government has said it will set out the precise timing and legal arrangements for recognition at or around the UN General Assembly.
The decision arrives amid broader debate over how Western governments should balance condemnation of violence, support for Israel's security, the protection of civilians in Gaza and long-term diplomatic work toward a negotiated two-state solution. Officials on all sides say they remain committed to seeking ways to address humanitarian needs and to reduce civilian suffering while pursuing political progress.