Sakshi Malik accuses WFI of deliberately trying to block Vinesh Phogat's comeback, calls for PM Modi's interventionSakshi Malik extends support to Vinesh Phogat, urges Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter. Updated on: May 12
The sight of Roberto de Zerbi pulling a black hood over his face as he stalked the touchline was a symbol of another night of self-destruction by Tottenham Hotspur. New head coach De Zerbi was a picture of anguish after Richarlison squandered a simple chance to put Spurs in a comfort zone by
HT Exclusive – ‘A result like this comes from years of hard work, not one race’: History-maker Sabastian Sawe to criticsSabastian Sawe spoke to HT about breaking the record at London Marathon and setting new benchmarks. Updated on: May 12, 2026 11:47 AM IST By Vishesh Roy Share via Copy link
Protein Rich Mixed Sprouts Curry With Fresh Ingredients And Light Texture For Nutritious Vegetarian DinnersHigh protein mixed sprouts curry combines sprouted legumes, vegetables, and spices to create a nutrient-rich vegetarian dinner suitable for balanced eating. Published on: May 12
Not true: Amish Tripathi on Ranveer Singh acquiring The Immortals of MeluhaRanveer Singh reportedly acquires rights to The Immortals of Meluha for a trilogy under Maa Kasam Film Published on: May 12, 2026 2:08 PM IST By Natasha Coutinho Share via Copy link On Monday multiple reports suggested
Starmer set to announce UK recognition of Palestinian state on Sunday
Starmer set to announce UK recognition of Palestinian state on Sunday
Sir Keir Starmer is expected to announce the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state in a statement on Sunday afternoon.
The move comes after the prime minister said in July the UK would shift its position in September unless Israel met conditions including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza and committing to a long-term sustainable peace deal that delivers a two-state solution.
It represents a major change in British foreign policy after successive governments said recognition should come as part of a peace process and at a time of maximum impact.
The move has drawn fierce criticism from the Israeli government, hostage families and some Conservatives.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously said such a move "rewards terror".
However, UK ministers argue there was a moral responsibility to act to keep the hope of a long-term peace deal alive.
Government sources said the situation on the ground had worsened significantly in the last few weeks. They cited images showing starvation and violence in Gaza, which the prime minister has previously described as "intolerable".
Israel's latest ground operation in Gaza City, described by a UN official as "cataclysmic", has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee.
Earlier this week, a United Nations commision of inquiry concluded Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, which Israel denounced as "distorted and false".
Ministers also highlighted the continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are illegal under international law, as a key factor in the decision to recognise Palestinian statehood.
Justice Secretary David Lammy, who was foreign secretary in July when the path to recognition was announced, cited the controversial E1 settlement project which critics warn would put an end to hopes for a viable, contiguous Palestinian state.
He said: "The recognition of a Palestinian state is as a consequence of the serious expansion that we're seeing in the West Bank, the settler violence that we're seeing in the West Bank, and the intention and indications that we're seeing to build for example the E1 development that would run a coach and horses through the possibility of a two-state solution."
Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the UK's recognition pledge when he visited Sir Keir earlier this month, with Downing Street saying both leaders had agreed Hamas had no role in future governance of Palestine.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she wanted to see a two-state solution in the Middle East.
But writing in The Telegraph over the weekend, she said: "It is obvious, and the US has been clear on this, that recognition of a Palestinian state at this time and without the release of the hostages, would be a reward for terrorism."
Meanwhile, in an open letter to Sir Keir on Saturday, family members of some of the hostages taken by Hamas urged the Prime Minister not to take the step until the remaining 48, of whom 20 are believed to still be alive, had been returned.
The announcement of the forthcoming recognition had "dramatically complicated efforts to bring home our loved ones", they wrote. "Hamas has already celebrated the UK's decision as a victory and reneged on a ceasefire deal."
Sources in government said ministers will be setting out next steps for sanctioning Hamas in the coming weeks.
During a state visit to the UK this week, US President Donald Trump also said he disagreed with recognition.
Sir Keir had set a deadline of the UN General Assembly meeting, which takes place this week, for Israel to take "substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two-state solution".
Speaking in July, he said: "I've always said we will recognise a Palestinian state as a contribution to a proper peace process, at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution.
With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act.
A number of other countries including Portugal, France, Canada and Australia have also said they will recognise a Palestinian state, while Spain, Ireland and Norway took the step last year.
Palestine is currently recognised by around 75% of the UN's 193 member states, but has no internationally agreed boundaries, no capital and no army - making recognition largely symbolic.
The two-state solution refers to the creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israel currently occupies both the West Bank and Gaza, meaning the Palestinian Authority is not in full control of its land or people.
Recognising a Palestinian state has long been a cause championed by many within the Labour Party. The PM has been under mounting pressure to take a tougher stance on Israel, particularly from MPs on the left of his party.
Shortly before he gave his speech in July, more than half of Labour MPs signed a letter calling for the government to immediately recognise a Palestinian state.
However, critics questioned why the government had appeared to put conditions on Israel but not on Hamas, when it set out its path to recognition.
The Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, called on the government to pause its decision.
"The intended recognition is not contingent upon a functioning or democratic Palestinian government, nor even upon the most basic commitment to a peaceful future," he said.
Astonishingly, it is not even conditional upon the release of the 48 hostages who remain in captivity.
Government sources insisted their demands for Hamas to release the hostages and agree to a ceasefire had not changed.
But officials in the Foreign Office argued statehood was a right of the Palestinian people and could not be dependent on Hamas, which the government views as a terrorist organisation.
Speaking on Thursday when he hosted President Trump at Chequers, Sir Keir reiterated that Hamas could play "no part" in any future Palestinian state.
The Israeli military launched its Gaza campaign in response to the unprecedented Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage.
At least 64,964 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: Starmer set to announce UK recognition of Palestinian state on Sunday Starmer set to announce UK recognition of Palestinian state on Sunday Starmer set to announce UK recognition of Palestinian state UK PM Keir Starmer Joins European Allies In Backing Ukraine Ahead Of Zelenskyy-Trump Talks UK leader Keir Starmer backs his Treasury chief over claims she misled the public about the economy UK PM Keir Starmer lands in Mumbai for first India visit UK PM Keir Starmer tries to shore up authority Keir Starmer reaches China for 3-day visit UK PM Keir Starmer Arrives In Mumbai For First Official Visit UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Arrives In India On BA 9100
RSS-affiliate says PM Modi's austerity push will help save India’s foreign reservesThe Swadeshi Jagran Manch believes PM Modi's call for austerity will lessen India's foreign dependence. Published on: May 12, 2026 2:08 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch on Tuesday
51 minutes ago
Himanta Biswa Sarma begins his second term as Assam Chief Minister. This marks continuity and the BJP's strong hold in the Northeast. Sarma's leadership has been instrumental in the party's regional success. He aims to continue development initiatives
51 minutes ago
Himanta Biswa Sarma, a senior leader in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has taken oath as the chief minister of India's northeastern state of Assam for a second consecutive term. The BJP retained power in Assam last week
51 minutes ago
Rahul Dravid steps into a new role as owner of Dublin Guardians in the European T20 League. He intends to avoid interfering with the team's cricketing matters. Ravichandran Ashwin will lead the team with full autonomy. Dravid will focus on franchise operations off the field
51 minutes ago
, India’s largest stockbroking platform, has delivered returns in the range of 54-95 times for early investors, including Peak XV, , and , which sold part of their holdings in the fintech company after its IPO lock-in period expired.Silicon Valley investor Sequoia Capital
51 minutes ago
On a rainy, cold morning Masooda makes her way to a hillside cemetery in north-west Kabul to visit the grave of her younger brother Mirwais. But she doesn't know exactly where he was buried after he was killed in a Pakistani airstrike two months ago. Instead, she stands at the edge of a mass grave
51 minutes ago
Tourists heading to the mountains to escape crowded cities are now finding themselves stuck in long traffic jams instead. Photos and videos from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are now drawing attention online after showing vehicles lined up for kilometres in popular tourist spots
51 minutes ago
As many as 173 Indians are among nearly 200 foreigners arrested in Sri Lanka as part of the latest drive in an ongoing crackdown on cybercrime operations, police said on Tuesday (May 12, 2026). A group of 198 foreigners, comprising 173 Indians and 25 Nepalese
51 minutes ago
The National Testing Agency on Tuesday cancelled the 2026 undergraduate National Eligibility cum Entrance Test following allegations of a paper leak. The NEET-UG examination, conducted on May 3, is the entrance test for admission to undergraduate medical courses in India
51 minutes ago
Students can check CBSE Class 12 result 2026 pass-fail status and scores even without Internet as the Central Board of Secondary Education has made the provision of multiple facilities. IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) and SMS services are key methods through which candidates can access
51 minutes ago
Delhi's St Stephen’s College appoints first woman principal in 145-year historyProf Susan Elias has been named the first woman principal of St Stephen's College, starting June 1, 2026. Updated on: May 12, 2026 2:06 PM IST By HT Correspondent Share via Copy link Delhi's St Stephen's College on
51 minutes ago
The National Testing Agency on Tuesday announced that it has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on 3 May 2026 in coordination and approval of the Government of India. New test dates will be announced in the coming days
51 minutes ago
The US has been holding regular negotiations with Denmark to expand its military presence in Greenland, according to multiple officials familiar with the discussions, with talks between both sides progressing in recent months. US officials are seeking to open three new bases in the south of the
51 minutes ago
A man was apprehended at the new Assam government's swearing-in ceremony. Live bullets were found during security checks at the venue. He was taken into custody for questioning. No weapons were recovered. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances and any potential security threat
51 minutes ago
Google said Monday that it had disrupted a criminal group’s attempt to use artificial intelligence to exploit another company’s previously unknown digital vulnerability, adding to heightened worries across government and private industry about AI’s risks for cybersecurity
51 minutes ago
May 12, Birthday Horoscope: Here's what the tarot cards have in store for youIf your birthday falls on May 12, here’s what your year ahead looks like, as per Tarot. Published on: May 12, 2026 11:59 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link If you were born on May 12
51 minutes ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.I compared the top Ink tank and laser printers: Know which one saves you more money in 2026From ink costs to long-term maintenance
51 minutes ago
Kedarnath temple's earnings jump 34 pc to ₹71.06 crore in 2024-25Kedarnath temple's earnings jump 34 pc to ₹71.06 crore in 2024-25 Published on: May 12, 2026 2:06 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Dehradun, The Kedarnath temple recorded total earnings of ₹71.06 crore from offerings
51 minutes ago
Uber CEO is in India, visiting one of the ride-hailing company’s largest markets globally. During the course of the visit, Khosrowshahi will meet several Union and state ministers, people aware of his plans said.On Tuesday, in New Delhi, the Uber CEO met finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and
51 minutes ago
Who is Doug Weiss? Joni Lamb’s husband claimed she had 2 hairline fractures on her spine month before deathJoni Lamb’s husband, Doug Weiss, revealed that a month before the broadcaster’s death, she was off air because of two hairline fractures on her spine. Published on: May 12
51 minutes ago
Jones Fire: Check map and evacuation updates as massive blaze burns near Wickenburg; shocking videos surfaceThe Jones Fire has burnt 100+ acres of land, and has been active near the Hassayampa River bottom, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said. Updated on: May 12
51 minutes ago
Land mafia has encroached over 17 lakh kanals of state land across Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu division accounts for the majority of this encroachment. Rajouri district is the most affected. Official data reveals the extent of illegal occupation
51 minutes ago
A social media post by a woman named Supriya has gone viral after she shared an email sent to the HR department, informing them she would continue working from home in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal. According to the viral post
51 minutes ago
Women whose names were deleted during the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal will not receive benefits of the state government’s Annapurna Bhandar scheme, The Telegraph quoted minister Agnimitra Paul as saying on Monday. Under the scheme
51 minutes ago
Kamal Haasan, Vishal support CM Vijay's order to close 717 liquor shops near schools, temples in Tamil Nadu: ‘Hats off’Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 state-run retail liquor outlets, including 276 shops near places of worship. May 12, 2026
51 minutes ago
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (May 12, 2026) took a swipe at the appointments of erstwhile Chief Election Officer Manoj Agarwal as the new West Bengal Chief Secretary and Subrata Gupta as the Chief Advisor to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, saying that in the BJP-ECI "chor bazaar"
51 minutes ago
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday took oath as the chief minister of Assam for the second term. He was administered the oath of office by Governor Lakshman Acharya at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders of the National Democratic Alliance
51 minutes ago
