Former UK Diplomats, London Mayor Urge Starmer to Recognise Palestine Amid Gaza Crisis

Dozens of former UK ambassadors and senior diplomats have called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to recognise a Palestinian state as a crucial step to break the ongoing deadly status quo amid Israel’s war on Gaza. London Mayor Sadiq Khan and several Labour ministers, including Wes Streeting and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have publicly urged Starmer to take tougher action to prevent Israeli attacks on civilians and to immediately recognise Palestine, warning that there might soon be no viable state left. Starmer has so far resisted unilateral recognition, preferring a coordinated approach with other western countries at a moment of maximum impact. Meanwhile, international pressure is mounting, with joint statements from multiple nations urging Israel to lift restrictions on aid to Gaza amid widespread humanitarian suffering. The UK government faces internal and external calls to increase sanctions on Israel and exert more pressure to halt the bloodshed, especially as US President Donald Trump, an ally of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, is set to visit the UK. Critics emphasize that without recognising Palestine, a two-state solution will be impossible, highlighting the urgency of political action given the escalating crisis.