| By JamRadio UK News Team | World News
In a historic diplomatic pivot, France has announced it will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly this September—becoming the first G7 nation to do so. The move, declared by President Emmanuel Macron, has sent shockwaves through European capitals and placed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer under intense scrutiny for his continued reluctance to follow suit.
Macron posted on X:
Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 24, 2025
I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September.… pic.twitter.com/VTSVGVH41I
The announcement comes amid a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where starvation and displacement have reached unprecedented levels. Macron’s decision was framed as a moral imperative—an act of solidarity with the Palestinian people and a rebuke of Israel’s ongoing military campaign.
In contrast, Keir Starmer has stopped short of immediate recognition, reiterating that Palestinian statehood must follow a ceasefire and negotiated peace. His statement, issued hours before Macron’s declaration, described the situation in Gaza as “unspeakable and indefensible” but offered no concrete shift in UK policy.
“We are clear that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people,” Starmer said. “A ceasefire will put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state.”
Critics say the Prime Minister’s stance amounts to dithering in the face of a moral crisis. More than 100 MPs have signed a cross-party letter urging Starmer to act now, citing Britain’s historic role in the Balfour Declaration and its legacy as the former Mandatory Power in Palestine.
Starmer’s cabinet is reportedly split on the issue, with Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Health Secretary Wes Streeting backing immediate recognition. Meanwhile, ministers aligned with Labour Friends of Israel have urged caution, arguing that recognition must be part of a broader peace process.
The Foreign Affairs Select Committee has also weighed in, recommending that the UK recognise Palestine “while there is still a state to recognise”.
France’s bold move has been hailed by Palestinian leaders and human rights advocates as a turning point. The Palestinian Authority called it a “reflection of France’s commitment to international law and the right to self-determination”.
In the UK, however, Starmer’s hesitation risks alienating progressive voters, especially as Jeremy Corbyn’s new party gains traction among pro-Palestine activists. With Macron setting the pace, many now wonder whether Britain will once again be a follower, not a leader, in shaping the future of Middle East peace.