UK will recognize Palestinian state in Sept, unless Israel agrees to conditions

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is The World Now.

Starting in the UK, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK will recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, unless Israel meets key conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.

On Tuesday, following an emergency cabinet meeting, Starmer outlined the UK's conditional recognition of Palestine's statehood.

He said recognition will be formalized in September unless Israel agrees to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, pledges no annexation of the West Bank, allows full humanitarian access, and recommits to a viable two-state solution.

Starmer reiterated that there is "no equivalence between Israel and Hamas" and reaffirmed demands on Hamas to release all hostages and disarm.

However, Israel's government strongly rejected the announcement, calling it a "reward for Hamas."

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, after meeting with Starmer in Scotland, stated that the recognition was not discussed during their talks.

The UK's warning follows reports of a severe famine in Gaza and plans to airdrop aid into the enclave.