A coalition of more than 50 former UK diplomats and ambassadors has called on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to formally recognize a Palestinian state. This appeal comes amid escalating concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and growing dissatisfaction with the UK's current West Asia policy. In an open letter, the diplomats emphasized that UK recognition of Palestine would serve as a "foundational first step towards breaking the deadly status quo."

The letter was signed by over 30 former UK ambassadors and 20 former senior British diplomats to international bodies, including the United Nations. Signatories previously served in countries such as Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Syria, and Turkey.

"The risks of inaction have profound, historic and catastrophic implications," the letter warns. The diplomats argue that "Israel" cannot achieve long-term security without a political settlement that acknowledges Palestinian statehood. The signatories also argue that current UK policies, including partial arms suspensions and delayed trade talks, are inadequate. 

Religious leaders condemn 'Israel's' crimes in Gaza

Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York and acting head of the Church of England, issued one of the most forceful statements yet from the UK's religious leadership. He described the ongoing situation in Gaza as "depraved" and "barbaric," condemning the actions of the Israeli government as a "war of aggression" and "a grave sin."

"With each passing day in Gaza, the violence, starvation and dehumanisation being inflicted on the civilian population by the government of Israel becomes more depraved and unconscionable," Cottrell stated. While he condemned Hamas's resistance operation on October 7 and supported the release of captives, he insisted that the current offensive had gone beyond legitimate self-defense. He called for a permanent ceasefire and rejected policies that could lead to the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza.

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Conflict in UK cabinet over Gaza

Dissent within Starmer's cabinet continues to grow. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has publicly urged the recognition of a Palestinian state, warning there may soon be no state left to recognize. He criticized Israeli actions that had gone "well beyond legitimate self-defence."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan echoed these sentiments, describing the situation in Gaza as "absolutely harrowing" and asserting that "nothing justifies the actions of the Israeli government."

Additionally, almost 60 British MPs have signed a letter calling for a total prohibition on weapons sales to Israel, while also seeking increased openness regarding the approval process for military export permits.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy voiced deep concern, stating he felt "appalled, sickened" by images of Palestinians being shot while attempting to collect food. However, he stopped short of endorsing immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood, reflecting ongoing divisions in Keir Starmer's Palestine policy.

As the Israeli genocide continues unabated, adding to it the excruciating blockade that has pushed #Gaza's population into famine, the world is becoming more and more fed up.

Condemnations against the abhorrent Israeli actions are flooding in from around the world. While these… pic.twitter.com/VKGN5AeesG

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) July 23, 2025

Humanitarian crisis deteriorates in Gaza

Political momentum for UK recognition of Palestine is being fueled by worsening conditions in Gaza. On Wednesday, a coalition of 111 aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, and Oxfam, warned of mass starvation throughout the territory.

"Our colleagues and those we serve are wasting away," the organisations stated, pointing to the Israeli aid blockade on the Strip.

The United Nations has reported that more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces while attempting to access food since the US-Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation took over aid operations from the UN in May. While the Palestinian Ministry of Health has reported the martyrdom of 1,060 and the injury of more than 7,207.

Just yesterday, the Israeli Knesset approved a motion calling for the annexation of the occupied West Bank. The 71-13 vote, while non-binding, signals growing institutional support within “Israel” for the formal application of Israeli authority over Palestinian land, including the Jordan Valley and other areas already under military occupation.