LONDON, July 29 – The United Kingdom has issued a serious diplomatic warning to Israel, declaring it will formally recognize a Palestinian state by September unless urgent humanitarian relief is granted to Gaza and a ceasefire is achieved in the ongoing war with Hamas. This bold stance comes as global concern intensifies over the deteriorating conditions in the region, where mass starvation and civilian suffering continue to escalate.
According to Palestinian officials, more than 60,000 lives have now been lost since the conflict began, with many more facing death from hunger and disease. The devastating situation in Gaza follows nearly two years of war that began in October 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise assault on Israel. The Israeli military response has been fierce, devastating much of Gaza and triggering widespread instability throughout the Middle East.
Gaza Starvation Raises Global Alarm
A recent hunger alert has amplified global fears, indicating that famine may be imminent. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has raised alarms, noting that conditions for famine have been met in several areas within Gaza. Their analysis pointed to extreme food scarcity, widespread malnutrition, and disease as key factors pushing the enclave closer to a formal famine declaration. The organization is now preparing an urgent classification to confirm the situation.
Despite Israel’s recent announcement to ease aid delivery into Gaza, humanitarian organizations report they are still facing major roadblocks in accessing the territory. One of the world’s largest food aid programs stated it has not received necessary permissions to move supplies into key areas, even after Israel announced humanitarian pauses in hostilities. These delays continue to contribute to hunger-related deaths, particularly among children.
Medical officials in Gaza say that at least 147 people, including 88 children, have died from hunger or related complications, with most deaths occurring in recent weeks. Hospitals report a dramatic increase in severe malnutrition, particularly among infants and young children. Shocking images of starving children have circulated globally, leading to widespread outrage and calls for immediate intervention.
In response to the crisis, U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the starvation and stated that his team would establish new food distribution centers in Gaza. However, Israeli officials have pushed back against claims of using starvation as a weapon. Israel’s Foreign Minister denied any such policy, admitting the situation is “tough” but insisting that reports of intentional starvation are inaccurate.
Political Tensions Rise Over Palestinian Recognition
The UK’s warning, issued by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, adds significant diplomatic pressure on Israel. Starmer has announced that Britain will recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly in September unless Israel demonstrates concrete efforts to relieve suffering in Gaza, agrees to a ceasefire, halts any further annexation of land in the West Bank and renews its commitment to achieving a two-state resolution.
This decision follows a similar announcement by France, sparking strong backlash from Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Starmer’s position, saying that recognizing a Palestinian state under current conditions would “reward terrorism and punish its victims.” Netanyahu warned that creating a jihadist state near Israel could have future consequences for other nations, including Britain.
Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, expressed strong approval of Starmer’s stance, viewing it as a significant and well-timed gesture. Starmer had separate phone calls with both Netanyahu and Abbas before delivering the statement to his cabinet. The UK government emphasized that the recognition would proceed unless Israel fulfills clear humanitarian and political requirements.
While such recognition would be symbolic in nature—since Israel continues to control territories intended for a Palestinian state, including parts of the West Bank and Gaza—it would mark a significant diplomatic shift. It would further isolate Israel on the global stage, where calls for unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza are growing louder.
On the international front, Trump has taken a more reserved stance. When asked about the UK’s plan during his recent visit to Scotland, he said he didn’t “mind” if Britain proceeded with recognition. However, aboard Air Force One, he added that Hamas “should not be rewarded” with statehood. Since returning to office in January, Trump has remained ambiguous on whether his administration would support Palestinian independence in the future.
Meanwhile, the war’s death toll continues to rise. Overnight airstrikes in central Gaza’s Nuseirat camp killed at least 30 Palestinians, including women and children. Health officials also reported that 13 more people died, and dozens were injured, after being shot while waiting for aid on the Salahudeen Road. Rescue workers fear thousands of bodies remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings, making the true casualty count even higher than reported.
Israel maintains that more than 5,000 aid trucks have entered Gaza in the past two months, and its officials claim readiness to support additional airdrops of supplies. Yet humanitarian agencies argue that such methods are insufficient and mostly symbolic. These groups continue to call for unfettered land access to ensure consistent and reliable aid delivery.
The United Nations has stated that it has not found evidence to support claims of large-scale aid theft by Hamas, although Israel and the U.S. maintain concerns over possible diversion. Hamas, in turn, accuses Israel of weaponizing humanitarian assistance by restricting access to vital resources.