Keir Starmer to recall cabinet as calls grow for UK to recognise Palestinian state

Sir Keir Starmer will call his cabinet back from recess to address the Gaza humanitarian crisis, amid pressure to recognize Palestine as a state. More than 200 MPs, including key Labour members, have urged immediate recognition, following similar actions by Spain and Ireland.

While UK Prime Minister has condemned the situation, he argues that recognizing Palestine should align with a wider peace process. Officials state that recognition is a question of "when, not if," as Labour pledged to do so in its manifesto.

Israel has reopened aid corridors into Gaza after intense international criticism, while aid groups warn of starvation risks. Foreign Secretary David Lammy called for a ceasefire as the crisis escalates.

Bob Geldof criticized the focus on recognition as a distraction from urgent humanitarian needs.