Overview

• Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce the UK’s recognition at the UN this weekend, insisting the timing is unrelated to Trump’s state visit and stating Hamas should have no role in future Palestinian governance.
• President Emmanuel Macron will formally declare France’s recognition on Monday at a New York UN conference, with Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra expected to issue parallel announcements, according to the Élysée.
• Congressional Republican leaders led by Elise Stefanik and Senator Rick Scott urged the UK, France and other allies to reverse course in a letter calling recognition a reckless policy that undermines prospects for peace.
• Israeli officials and UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch argue recognition now would reward terrorism and risk emboldening Hamas, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog warning it would not help hostages or Palestinian civilians.
• Supporters frame recognition as a step to revive a two-state pathway and press for a Gaza ceasefire, with France linking statehood to sidelining Hamas and elevating the Palestinian Authority as the war and humanitarian crisis worsen.