According to a report by the Times of Israel on Sunday 21 September, 2025, the UK is reportedly preparing to recognize a Palestinian state this Sunday, aligning itself with a broader Western bloc pushing for renewed momentum toward a two-state solution. The move, spearheaded by France and supported by around ten countries, is expected to coincide with similar declarations from Australia and Portugal as world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly in New York.
But this isn’t just a diplomatic gesture. According to The Telegraph, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also intends to unveil a new round of sanctions targeting Hamas – a dual-track strategy meant to balance political signaling with security concerns. While full details of the sanctions package remain unclear, the newspaper suggested it was in part aimed at reassuring the United States, which has remained skeptical about recognition at this stage.
A statement from Downing Street is anticipated on Sunday. And while it’s being billed as a symbolic step, officials in London have stressed it won’t translate into instant statehood. In a Sunday morning interview, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy made that point clear, saying this doesn’t mean “a Palestinian state happens overnight.” Instead, he framed the move as a way to keep peace talks alive, even if actual negotiations remain stalled.
POWER OF FAVOUR?
(Silent, Powerful, Spiritual)
Don’t miss out on your desires. You are not the only one pursuing them. Command power of favour to achieve your heart desires:
In your undertakings. Work. Job. Career. Profession. Business. Politics. Workplace. Powerful position. Patronage. Selling. Contract. People/ crowd. Global fame. Love matters. Etc.
SPIRITUAL CONSULTATION ON:
Spiritual power of favour over efforts alone for desired outcome.
Overcome delay with power of favour.
Overcome rejection with power of favour.
Other matters.
For Spiritual Consultation, Guidance, Contact:
DR. J.A FAROS
Call/ Whatsapp 0 7 0 3 0 5 1 4 0 6 3
Sango-ota. Lagos. Nigeria.
Distance no barrier( 3 options)
By Unlimiting Power of God, Every Dream materialized.
The expected announcement hasn’t landed well with everyone. On Saturday, a group of 16 family members of Israeli hostages held in Gaza issued a plea to Prime Minister Starmer, urging him to hit pause. In a letter shared by the British branch of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, they argued the move would severely undermine ongoing efforts to bring their loved ones home.
“You’ve dramatically complicated efforts to bring home our loved ones,” the letter read. One line was left intact as originally written: “We write to you with a simple plea – do not take this step until our loved ones are home and in our arms.”
Their concerns weren’t just symbolic. According to the letter, Hamas has already interpreted the UK’s planned recognition as a win, and allegedly backed away from a proposed ceasefire as a result.
Meanwhile, in London, protests both for and against the move have picked up in intensity. Earlier this month, Palestinian supporters rallied outside Downing Street, calling for more decisive UK support amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
As for the sanctions, The Telegraph offered little in the way of specifics, though it noted Starmer would demand Hamas disarm and declare that the group has no future role in governing Gaza post-conflict. The EU took a similar step last week, tightening restrictions on senior Hamas officials and floating the idea of suspending its free trade agreement with Israel altogether.
This shift in UK policy isn’t entirely out of the blue. Back in July, Starmer warned that unless Israel made tangible moves toward a ceasefire and allowed humanitarian access to Gaza, his government would move ahead with recognition. Since then, not only has the violence escalated – particularly in Gaza City – but ceasefire negotiations have largely stalled.
Starmer’s approach mirrors that of several other European leaders, who have positioned recognition as a means of preserving the two-state vision in the face of increasing regional despair. Still, even supporters admit that the gesture is largely symbolic – for now.
Lammy reiterated that point in his Sunday remarks. “This has to be part of a process,” he said, noting the necessity of using 1967 borders as a foundation and ultimately resolving the status of Jerusalem through final-stage negotiations.