Daijiworld Media Network - Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv, July 30: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has launched a scathing attack on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the UK’s announcement that it intends to recognise the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September. Netanyahu accused Starmer of appeasing terrorism and endangering global security.
“Starmer rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism and punishes its victims. A jihadist state on Israel’s border TODAY will threaten Britain TOMORROW,” read a post from Netanyahu’s office on X (formerly Twitter). “Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. It will fail you too. It will not happen.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry echoed Netanyahu’s condemnation, warning that the UK’s planned recognition would derail ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and obstruct international efforts to secure the release of hostages.

“Israel rejects the statement by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom,” the ministry posted on X. “This shift in the British government’s position, following the French move and internal political pressures, constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of hostages.”
The backlash came after PM Starmer announced the UK would move to recognise Palestine in September, unless Israel makes concrete efforts toward ending the Gaza conflict and committing to a peaceful resolution based on a two-state framework.
In a detailed statement, Starmer said:
“The UK will recognise the state of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace.”
He added that Israel must allow the resumption of humanitarian aid via the UN and halt annexation plans in the West Bank. At the same time, Starmer maintained a hard line on Hamas:
“Our message to the terrorists of Hamas is unchanged and unequivocal. They must immediately release all the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm, and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza.”
The UK’s announcement follows growing pressure from European allies and human rights groups calling for a firmer stance on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and a renewed push for a viable two-state solution.
Israel’s firm rejection of the plan now sets up a potential diplomatic clash between London and Tel Aviv, deepening tensions amid an already volatile regional conflict.