In a historic and controversial move, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that Britain now formally recognises the State of Palestine. Speaking in London, Starmer declared the decision as essential to “keep alive the hope of peace and a two-state solution,” even as Israel intensifies its Gaza offensive and Hamas continues to hold hostages. Starmer also vowed new sanctions on Hamas figures while calling Israel’s bombardment “utterly intolerable.” The recognition puts the UK alongside more than 150 countries backing Palestinian statehood.