Starmer says UK to recognize Palestinian state unless Israel ends ‘appalling situation in Gaza’

The “worst case scenario” of famine is currently taking place in Gaza, according to an alert issued by a UN-backed initiative. Follow for live updates.

• Starmer’s tougher line: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said today the UK will recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes “substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza” and to reach a ceasefire. Israel rejected the plan, saying it constitutes “a reward for Hamas.” “Famine thresholds reached”: The “worst-case scenario” of famine is unfolding in Gaza, according to an alert issued today by a UN-backed food security body. • Trump promises aid: US President Donald Trump said he is “working together” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to get things “straightened out” in the Middle East. This came a day after he said the US will set up “food centers” in Gaza, although he didn’t offer details. • Death toll climbs: More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel’s war on Hamas began nearly two years ago, Gaza’s health ministry said today. • Genocide accusations: A pair of leading Israeli human rights groups accused Israel of “committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.” An Israeli government spokesperson dismissed the report, saying, “We have free speech in this country but we strongly reject this claim.” United Nations experts accused Israel of the deliberate “withholding of access to safe drinking water from Palestinians in Gaza,” saying Tuesday that “using thirst as a weapon to kill Palestinians” violated international law.