The UK has formally recognised Palestine as a state, a move aimed at protecting the viability of a two-state solution and paving the way for lasting peace.

The historic decision, announced today, comes as the situation in Gaza continues to worsen, illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank expand, and Hamas continues to hold hostages.

The Prime Minister stated that the UK has a moral responsibility to support a peaceful future for both Israel and Palestine, believing that a two-state solution with a safe, secure Israel and a viable, sovereign Palestinian state is the only path forward. The decision is grounded in the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and is not a recognition of Hamas, which the UK continues to regard as a terrorist organisation. The government's demands on Hamas remain unchanged: the group must release all hostages, agree to an immediate ceasefire, accept it will have no role in governing Gaza, and disarm. Further sanctions on senior Hamas figures are expected in the coming weeks.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the recognition an "important step to preserve the prospect of a two-state solution, at a time when it is now under unprecedented threat." She reiterated that Hamas cannot have a role in Palestine's future but stressed that "Hamas are not the Palestinian people."

While support for Israel's security remains steadfast, the UK has called on the Israeli government to change course by halting its offensive in Gaza, allowing humanitarian aid in, and stopping illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank.

The government believes it can no longer credibly support a two-state solution without recognising both states, having recognised Israel in 1950. The decision is part of a coordinated international effort to build consensus around a Framework for Peace, with recognition seen as the first, most urgent step towards lasting peace.