PM Starmer Discusses Gaza, Ceasefire, Statehood With Palestinian Leader Mahmoud Abbas

Last Updated:September 09, 2025, 04:31 IST

The leaders discussed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, with both calling for urgent action.

President Abbas arrived in London on Sunday night for a three-day official visit (Reuters)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, at Downing Street on Monday, in a meeting that signals the UK government’s advancing plans to formally recognise a Palestinian state. The high-level talks come ahead of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York later this month, where the issue is expected to take centre stage.

Abbas welcomed Starmer’s pledge to pursue recognition of Palestine if Israel fails to change course. According to a Downing Street spokesperson, both leaders agreed that there would be “absolutely no role” for Hamas in the future governance of Palestine, a clear condition for any UK-backed path toward statehood.

The leaders discussed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, with both calling for urgent action to address what they described as horrific suffering and famine. Prime Minister Starmer reiterated the UK’s demand for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid to the region.

The meeting occurred shortly after a deadly terror attack during rush hour in Jerusalem on Monday. Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop, killing six people and injuring at least 12 others, according to Israeli authorities. In response, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated she was “horrified by the terrorist attack in Jerusalem.”

President Abbas arrived in London on Sunday night for a three-day official visit. His team confirmed that he aimed to use the talks to demand an end to “the aggression, destruction and starvation being inflicted upon the Palestinian people.”

Downing Street has indicated that the UK remains committed to recognising a Palestinian state to support a two-state solution. Starmer has made clear that such recognition could come within weeks unless the Israeli government takes “substantive” steps toward ending the humanitarian crisis, agreeing to a ceasefire, and working toward a sustainable peace. He has also insisted that Hamas must disarm, release hostages, and commit to peace as part of any broader resolution.

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