What does recognising a Palestinian state mean?

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will officially recognise Palestine as a state in September unless Israel meets certain conditions. These conditions include agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza and making real efforts towards a two-state solution, which means creating a Palestinian state alongside Israel. The announcement has caused a strong reaction from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who believes this move rewards terrorism by Hamas. But what does it actually mean for the UK to recognise Palestine, and what impact could it have on the situation in the Middle East?

Palestine is a unique case in international politics. Many countries around the world already recognise Palestine as a state, and it has its own diplomatic offices and even sports teams that compete in global events like the Olympics. However, Palestine does not have clear borders, a capital city, or its own military. The Palestinian Authority controls parts of the West Bank, but Israel still has a lot of power there. In Gaza, the situation is even worse, with ongoing war and Israeli occupation. Because of this, recognising Palestine is mostly a symbolic act. It sends a strong message about what the UK believes is right, but it does not immediately change life for Palestinians.

The UK's relationship with Palestine goes back many years. In 1917, Britain supported the idea of a national home for Jewish people in Palestine but also promised to protect the rights of other communities living there. Since then, the region has seen many conflicts, and the dream of two countries living side by side has not come true. Today, 147 out of 193 United Nations member states recognise Palestine, but some powerful countries, like the United States, do not. The UK is now joining other countries, such as France and Japan, in saying they will recognise Palestine, but only if Israel takes steps towards peace.

The decision to recognise Palestine is not just about international politics. It is also influenced by what is happening in Gaza, where many people are suffering, and by changing opinions in the UK. More and more people, including members of Parliament, are calling for the government to act. The UK wants Israel to stop the fighting, avoid taking more land, and commit to peace talks. However, it seems unlikely that Israel will agree to these demands soon. If Israel does not change its position, the UK will go ahead and recognise Palestine next month. This could be a significant moment, but it is uncertain how much it will actually change the situation for Palestinians and Israelis.