Overview

• Britain on Sunday formally recognized a Palestinian state, aligning its announcement with Canada and Australia.
• Sixteen relatives of Israelis held by Hamas sent a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying the decision has “dramatically complicated efforts” to secure releases.
• Senior Hamas figures publicly celebrated the recognitions, with one earlier calling such moves “the fruits of October 7,” according to reported statements.
• A JL Partners survey reported that roughly nine in ten Britons oppose recognition without conditions such as a hostage release or the removal of Hamas from control in Gaza.
• Israeli and U.S. officials were reported to have urged Starmer not to proceed, warning recognition could undercut ceasefire negotiations.