UK Rejects Accusations of Rewarding Hamas Over Palestinian Statehood Plan

On Wednesday, the British government pushed back against accusations that it was effectively rewarding the militant group Hamas by proposing to recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel takes meaningful steps to ease the crisis in Gaza and support peace efforts.

The move comes amid global outrage over harrowing images of severely malnourished children in Gaza. A hunger watchdog recently warned that famine conditions are rapidly developing and urgent intervention is necessary to prevent large-scale fatalities.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has set a deadline of September for Israel to take significant action, a move that was swiftly criticised by the Israeli government, which argued that such a decision benefits Hamas and punishes the victims of the group's 2023 cross-border assault.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump also expressed disapproval, stating that Hamas should not be "rewarded" with recognition of Palestinian statehood.

In response to this backlash, British Transport Minister Heidi Alexander, who was appointed to handle media inquiries, clarified the government’s stance. Speaking on LBC radio, she said, “This is not about rewarding Hamas. Hamas is a brutal terrorist organisation responsible for horrific crimes. This initiative is about standing with the Palestinian people — especially the starving children in Gaza who urgently need help.”

Alexander emphasized the need to increase diplomatic pressure on Israel to lift restrictions and allow humanitarian aid to flow freely into Gaza.

France recently declared its intention to officially recognise a Palestinian state in September, adding to the international momentum for such recognition.

Historically, the UK has maintained that it would acknowledge Palestinian statehood when it would have the greatest impact. In a televised speech on Tuesday, Prime Minister Starmer argued that the time for action is now, citing the worsening humanitarian situation and the fading possibility of a peaceful two-state solution.

He announced that Britain plans to formally recognise Palestine during the U.N. General Assembly in September — unless Israel takes clear and measurable steps to open access for aid into Gaza, makes an explicit commitment against annexing the West Bank, and agrees to participate in a lasting peace process aimed at achieving a two-state solution.