The British government has formally reaffirmed its support for the creation of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, releasing new details ahead of a planned recognition at the UN General Assembly in September.

In a recently published memorandum of understanding with the Palestinian Authority (PA), the UK Government stated that it "does not recognize the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, as part of Israel" and reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution grounded in international law.

"The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza must be reunified under [the PA’s] sole authority," the document reads, asserting Britain's support for a unified Palestinian government as essential for future governance, security, and recovery in Gaza.

The memorandum also signals a growing divide between the UK and Israel, coming just weeks after Britain imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers – National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich—for their incitement of violence against Palestinians.

In a further blow to Israel’s current direction, the UK memorandum rejects foreign-led plans for Gaza’s reconstruction, backing instead a "Palestinian-led" recovery effort. It also stresses that the PA must take a leading role in post-war governance in Gaza.

The document calls for "inclusive general elections" across the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza "within the shortest feasible timeframe," and affirms "the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including to an independent state."

"The two-state solution remains the best way to achieve Palestinian statehood and to guarantee that Palestinians and Israelis can live in peace and security with mutual recognition," the UK says.

This announcement follows France’s pledge on 24 July to formally recognise the State of Palestine. Both nations are now expected to proceed with recognition in September, making them the first G7 countries to do so – barring any significant diplomatic shift.

Meanwhile, tensions in Israel continue to escalate. On 23 July, the Knesset passed a non-binding resolution urging the government to formally annex the occupied West Bank. And on 4 August, Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was now pushing for the full re-occupation of Gaza.

Channel 12 quoted senior officials in Netanyahu’s office as saying: "The decision has been made – Israel is heading towards the occupation of the Gaza Strip." This would reportedly involve expanded ground operations in key areas, including western Gaza City and central refugee camps, where Israeli forces have not operated for over a year.