We have taken it now because the dire situation in Gaza and the West Bank puts the two-state solution in profound jeopardy. Advertisement• What does recognising a Palestinian state mean in practice? In the face of such despair, it would be easy for faith in a two-state solution to disappear beneath the rubble. So our decision to recognise Palestine is born of urgency and principle: a moral and practical step taken alongside France, Canada and Australia, joining more than 148 other countries which have already done the same. We need reform of the Palestinian Authority and President Abbas has himself confirmed that a Palestinian state should be demilitarised.

Source: The Times September 22, 2025 12:46 UTC