Starmer to impose new sanctions on Hamas when announcing UK’s recognition of Palestinian state — report

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is planning to announce new sanctions on the Hamas terror group at the same time as he announces the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state, the Telegraph newspaper reports.

British media reported on Saturday that Starmer will publish a statement on Sunday confirming the UK’s recognition of an independent Palestinian state, following the France-led push for coordinated recognition at the UN General Assembly.

The decision to simultaneously introduce new sanctions on Hamas is, in part, an attempt to appease the US, the Telegraph says, as President Donald Trump has publicly voiced his displeasure over Starmer’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state.

In July, Starmer announced that he would recognize a Palestinian state if Israel didn’t heed international calls and take steps toward a ceasefire in Gaza alongside devising a permanent solution for the Strip and allowing the flow of humanitarian aid and goods.

Starmer is set to speak at the General Assembly on Friday, four speakers after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Tal Schneider contributed to this report.