London (UK), Sept. 21 (LaPresse/AP) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that London formally recognizes the State of Palestine. “Today, to revive the hope of peace for Palestinians and Israelis and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine,” he said in a statement released on X. In a video message accompanying the post, Starmer stated that the move is part of a process aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza and promoting lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Although largely symbolic, it is nonetheless a historic moment, as the United Kingdom laid the groundwork for the creation of the State of Israel when, in 1917, it controlled what was then known as Palestine. The announcement had been widely expected after Starmer declared in July that the UK would recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, allowed the United Nations to deliver aid, and took other steps toward a lasting peace.