British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that the United Kingdom will only recognize Palestinian statehood as part of a broader plan for lasting security for both Palestinians and Israelis, diverging from France's decision to move forward with recognition at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Starmer emphasized that recognition should be a tool to advance peace and improve lives but did not specify what the wider plan would entail. The announcement comes amid growing pressure on Starmer from within his own party and opposition lawmakers, as well as a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While France is set to become the first major Western nation to recognize a Palestinian state, Germany and the United Kingdom have signaled that such recognition should be tied to progress toward a negotiated two-state solution. Israel and the United States have condemned France's move, warning it could embolden Hamas and threaten regional stability.