UK PM, Palestinian President Agree Exclude Hamas Future Governance

In 2025, the UK government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer is moving towards recognizing a Palestinian state, contingent on Israel taking substantive steps to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and committing to sustainable peace. Starmer met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in London, where both leaders agreed that Hamas will have no role in the future governance of Palestine and emphasized the importance of reforming the Palestinian Authority as part of the peace process. Abbas announced plans for parliamentary and presidential elections within a year after the Gaza war, underscoring the need for political unity under the Palestine Liberation Organization's framework and the disarmament of Hamas. The UK, along with other countries such as Canada and France, is preparing to recognize Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly if a ceasefire and humanitarian improvements are not achieved. The conflict in Gaza, described by critics as a genocide with deliberate targeting of civilians and medical personnel, has intensified calls for international action and recognition of Palestinian statehood. These developments occur amid broader tensions and criticisms of UK policy, particularly regarding its stance on Israel and support for Palestine.