British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce Sunday that the United Kingdom will recognize a Palestinian state, Sky News reported.
The Times said last week the announcement was scheduled to come after U.S. President Donald Trump concludes a visit to Britain, in order to avoid overshadowing the agenda of their joint press conference. Starmer first signaled in July that he would take the step unless Israel met certain conditions regarding the Gaza Strip.
The Telegraph reported that the recognition plan comes despite widespread opposition among the British public. A survey by JL Partners found that nine in 10 Britons do not support Starmer’s move. According to the poll, 51% oppose recognition while Hamas remains in control of Gaza and continues to hold hostages. Seventeen percent said they oppose recognition under any circumstances, and 52% said the move would amount to a “reward for terrorists.”
The Telegraph also reported that Starmer is preparing to impose new sanctions on Hamas in an effort to blunt criticism of the decision. The announcement of sanctions is expected to be made alongside the declaration recognizing a Palestinian state.