British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a stern warning, stating that the UK will formally recognize Palestine as an independent state by September if the ongoing war in Gaza does not cease and meaningful steps toward a sustainable peace process are not taken. The UK has also urged Israel to halt its settlement expansion plans and called on Hamas to release all hostages. Israel criticized the move, claiming it would “reward Hamas” and undermine diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Gaza. Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities have welcomed the UK's potential decision to grant statehood recognition.