A key condition of the United Kingdom’s push to recognize a Palestinian state is that the militant group Hamas will have no future role in its governance, Prime Minister Keir Starmer asserted on Thursday. This firm stance was highlighted as he navigated a public disagreement on the issue with visiting US President Donald Trump.
The Prime Minister’s clarification is a critical part of his government’s strategy. By ruling out Hamas, he aims to build broader international support for recognition and address the security concerns of Israel and the United States, even as the Trump administration opposes the move itself.
President Trump confirmed the policy difference during a joint press conference, calling it “one of our few disagreements.” This admission came as the UK is reportedly poised to make the recognition official, a move intended to advance a two-state solution in the face of the ongoing Gaza war.
Despite the split on recognition, Starmer insisted he and Trump “absolutely agree” on the need for a peace plan to resolve the “intolerable” situation. The UK’s nuanced position—recognizing a state while dictating terms about its leadership—represents a complex diplomatic effort to shape a post-conflict political reality.
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