Portrait of Keir Starmer
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Keir Starmer on Palestine

Conditional recognition advocate (strong) Position evolved

Keir Starmer's stance on the conflict involving Israel and Palestine has shown a notable progression since the events of late 2023, shifting from one heavily weighted toward Israeli security to one encompassing Palestinian statehood.

Initially, as Leader of the Opposition during the 2023 Hamas-Israel War, Starmer strongly emphasized Israel's right to self-defence following the Hamas attack, though he later stated this right was subject to international law.

However, under his premiership, the government's position has evolved significantly, culminating in the announcement that the United Kingdom would conditionally recognise the State of Palestine in July 2025, contingent on actions from Israel, marking a major shift from earlier statements.

Context

Keir Starmer's background as a human rights lawyer and his early political affiliation with Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East provide context for the internal sensitivity of his stance on this issue.

His leadership has been marked by a political imperative to move the Labour Party to the centre, which has created friction with the party's left-wing membership, particularly on foreign policy issues like the Gaza war.

His position is significant as Prime Minister, where his government's actions directly influence UK foreign policy and diplomatic posture in the Middle East.

Timeline

  1. Starmer stated that Israel had the right to defend itself and "do everything it can" to return hostages, including potentially cutting off supplies, provided it was within international law.
  2. Starmer suffered a significant rebellion when 56 of his MPs voted for an SNP motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
  3. Starmer changed his position to call for a "sustainable ceasefire" in Gaza, aligning with the Foreign Secretary's stance.
  4. As Prime Minister, Starmer told Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of the "urgent need for a ceasefire, the return of hostages and an immediate increase in the volume of humanitarian aid."
  5. Under the Starmer government, licences for some British arms sales to Israel were suspended due to a 'clear risk' of international law violations.
  6. Starmer issued a joint statement condemning Israel's offensive, calling for an immediate stop to military operations and allowing aid, threatening 'concrete actions' if 'egregious actions' continued.
  7. Starmer announced the UK would conditionally recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly opening, dependent on a ceasefire, aid, and a two-state commitment.
  8. The United Kingdom formally recognised Palestine as an independent state following the fulfilment of the conditions set by Starmer's government.

Actions Taken

  1. Foreign Policy Sanction
    Suspended 30 of 350 arms export licences to Israel due to a 'clear risk' that weapons could breach international law.
  2. International Law Enforcement Stance
    Stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be arrested if he travelled to the UK following an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
  3. Domestic Security Proscription
    Made Palestine Action a 'proscribed organisation' under the Terrorism Act 2000 following vandalism of military aircraft.
  4. Diplomatic Policy Shift
    Announced the United Kingdom would conditionally recognise the State of Palestine, contingent on a ceasefire, aid facilitation, and commitment to a two-state solution.
  5. Diplomatic Recognition
    Formally recognised Palestine as an independent state.

Key Quotes

I think Israel does have that right... obviously everything should be done within international law but I don’t want to step away from the sort of core principles that Israel has a right to defend herself and Hamas bears responsibility for these terrorist acts.

LBC interview October 11, 2023 — Stating Israel's right to self-defence following the initial Hamas attack.

I was not saying that Israel had the right to cut off water, food, fuel or medicines.

Clarification statement October 1, 2023 — Clarifying his earlier controversial comments on Israeli actions.

We will conditionally recognise the State of Palestine at the September opening of the United Nations General Assembly, contingent on Israel's compliance with a ceasefire, the facilitation of humanitarian aid, and a commitment to a two-state solution.

Public announcement July 29, 2025 — Announcing the major diplomatic shift in UK policy towards Palestine.

Related Positions

  • Arms Sales to Israel His government has suspended some arms export licences, a direct policy action related to the Gaza war.
  • Anti-Semitism in Labour Party His strong stance on eliminating internal antisemitism informed his approach to the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict.
  • International Law Starmer frequently frames his position by asserting that Israel's actions must remain within international law.

Criticism

Labour Councillors

Resigned in protest following Starmer's early remarks suggesting Israel had the right to cut off food and water to Gaza.

Netanyahu

Accused Starmer of siding with Hamas, being on the wrong side of justice, humanity, and history following the May 2025 condemnation of the Gaza offensive.

Amnesty International and Liberty

Condemned the proscription of Palestine Action as infringing on freedom of speech rights.

Conservative Politicians

Condemned the conditional recognition of Palestine as rewarding Hamas.