Britain demanded an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to halt the bloodshed, enable the United Nations to deliver sustained humanitarian aid to combat famine, and secure the prompt release of detainees.

In a statement addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the recognition of a Palestinian state, the office of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "We need a comprehensive plan to end this suffering and achieve a long-term settlement. We are committed to working with our international partners to develop a credible peace plan for Gaza’s next phase, establishing the foundations for transitional governance, security arrangements, and ensuring the necessary flow of humanitarian aid."

The statement added: "This must be accompanied by the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the removal of Hamas’s leadership from Gaza as essential steps toward a negotiated two-state solution. We welcome the steps announced by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, which should form the basis for comprehensive reform of the Palestinian Authority."

The statement called on Hamas to release all captives, agree to an immediate ceasefire, accept its exclusion from Gaza’s future government, and commit to disarmament.

On Recognizing a Palestinian State

"We have long been committed to recognizing a Palestinian state. As stated in our election manifesto, a Palestinian state is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people—it is not a gift from any neighbor and is also essential for Israel’s long-term security. We are committed to recognizing a Palestinian state as part of a renewed peace process leading to a two-state solution: a secure and stable Israel alongside a viable, sovereign Palestine."

The statement emphasized: "We are determined to preserve the viability of the two-state solution. Therefore, we will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September—unless the Israeli government takes substantial steps to end the horrific situation in Gaza and commits to a lasting peace. This includes allowing the UN to resume humanitarian support to Gaza’s people without delay to end famine, agreeing to a ceasefire, and renouncing any annexation of West Bank territories."

The British government pledged to assess both parties’ compliance with these steps before the UN General Assembly, stressing that neither side would have veto power over recognition.

However, it cautioned that recognition alone would not change realities on the ground. Thus, Britain will take immediate additional steps to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, including:

• Airdropping aid in coordination with Jordan.

• Transferring injured children from Gaza to British hospitals.

• Pressing vigorously to restore UN humanitarian aid deliveries.

The statement underscored that a ceasefire will not endure without urgent progress on governance, security, and long-term political settlement in Gaza, requiring a coordinated plan with key allies for sustained negotiations and a two-state solution.