Overview

• BBC and Sky News reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce recognition on Sunday, as multiple Western states prepare similar moves around the UN General Assembly, with Portugal confirming it will recognize the same day.
• The Telegraph reported the UK plans to pair the announcement with new sanctions on Hamas and a formal condemnation of the group, a dual step echoed by some EU measures targeting Hamas figures.
• Families of hostages held by Hamas urged Starmer in a letter not to proceed until all remaining captives are released, Haaretz reported.
• A JL Partners poll reported by The Telegraph found only 13% of Britons support unconditional recognition, while Starmer’s July stance framed UK recognition around conditions including a ceasefire and a two‑state commitment from Israel.
• Japan’s foreign minister said Tokyo will not recognize a Palestinian state at UN meetings this month, though it backs a two‑state solution and views recognition as a question of timing, Reuters reported.