British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to formally recognize Palestine as an independent state in a statement scheduled for Sunday afternoon, according to the BBC.
The move marks a significant shift in UK foreign policy. Previous governments maintained that recognition should come as part of a broader peace process and at a moment of maximum diplomatic impact.
The announcement comes ahead of the United Nations summit in New York, where several countries—including Canada and France—are expected to follow suit. On Saturday, Portugal confirmed it will officially recognize a Palestinian state on Sunday.
Norway recognized Palestine in May last year.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has welcomed the UK’s change in stance. Israel, however, has criticized the move, arguing it rewards Hamas for the October 7, 2023 attack that triggered the war in Gaza.