Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK now formally recognises a Palestinian state.

“Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly – as prime minister of this great country – that the United Kingdom formally recognises the state of Palestine,” he said in a video statement.

Earlier, Canada became the first G7 nation to make the move, closely followed by Australia.

Keir Starmer’s deputy, David Lammy, earlier defended the move – telling the BBC “now is the time to stand up for a two-state solution”.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has previously opposed countries recognising Palestinian statehood, saying it “rewards Hamas terror” and “hardens” the group’s “refusal to free hostages”.

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