British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce Sunday that the UK will formally recognise a Palestinian state — a dramatic policy shift long resisted by successive governments.

Starmer had vowed in July to act this September unless Israel agreed to a Gaza ceasefire and a credible path to a two-state solution. Ministers now argue Israel’s settlement expansion in the West Bank and mounting violence leave no time to wait.

The recognition of a Palestinian state is a consequence of the serious expansion we’re seeing in the West Bank, the settler violence … and plans like the E1 development,” said Justice Secretary David Lammy.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the pledge during a London visit earlier this month, with both sides agreeing Hamas would have no role in future governance.

Israel fiercely opposes the move. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “a reward for terror,” while families of Hamas hostages and UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged Starmer to delay recognition until captives are freed.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis also pressed for a pause, warning recognition should not come without democratic governance or hostage releases.

But officials insist Palestinian statehood is a right, not contingent on Hamas. “With the two-state solution under threat, this is the moment to act,” Starmer said.

The UK joins Spain, Ireland and Norway, which recognised Palestine last year. Over 140 UN members already do so.