British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Tuesday that the U.K. would recognize a Palestinian state in September — unless Israel takes steps to end the starvation of Gaza and agree to a ceasefire with Hamas.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the U.K. will recognize a Palestinian state in September, unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza and takes steps to long-term peace.

Starmer’s close ally Emmanuel Macron also announced his own plan for France to recognise Palestine last week – becoming the first G7 country to do so. Starmer initially refused, saying it had to be part of a wider plan for peace. But, after his declaration on Tuesday, the prime minister has denied this new decision is a U-turn to appease angry MPs.