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The United Kingdom's Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has announced that they will recognize a Palestinian state if Israel doesn't agree to a ceasefire by September.
The announcement came just a day after Starmer met with President Trump, who says that starvation in Gaza is "real." When asked about reported famine conditions in Gaza, Trump said, "I see it, and you can't fake that. So we're going to be even more involved."
Now Starmer has spoken up, telling the press earlier that if he doesn't see movement toward peace from Israel, the U.K. will officially recognize the State of Palestine. He said, "This includes allowing the U.N. to restart the supply of aid and making clear there will be no annexations in the West Bank."
Starmer said he wants to see the Israeli government take what he called "substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza," as well as agree to a ceasefire and commit to long-term peace.
He did make clear that this is in no way an endorsement of the terrorist organization Hamas, which has had control of the region in recent years, saying, "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."