In historic move, UK recognizes a Palestinian state despite opposition from US and Israel

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the U.K. is formally recognizing a Palestinian state despite vociferous opposition from the U.S. and Israel.

In a statement Sunday, Starmer said the move is part of a process to bring about an end to the conflict in Gaza and help promote a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Though the move is largely symbolic, it is a historic moment as the U.K. arguably laid the groundwork for the creation of the Israeli state when it was in control of what was then known as Palestine in 1917.

The announcement was widely anticipated after Starmer said in July that the U.K. would recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, allowed the U.N. to bring in aid and took other steps toward long-term peace.

The U.K. is not alone in recognizing a Palestinian state. More than 140 countries have already taken that step and more are expected to do so at the U.N. General Assembly this week, including Australia, Canada and France. Portugal is also expected to do so later Sunday.

(AP)