RAMALLAH, August 21, 2025 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the official announcement by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recognizing the independent and sovereign State of Palestine.

The President praised the United Kingdom's recognition of the independent State of Palestine, stressing that it constitutes an important and necessary step towards achieving a just and lasting peace in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.

He emphasized that British recognition of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, freedom, and independence will pave the way for the implementation of the two-state solution, allowing the State of Palestine to live side by side with the State of Israel in security, peace, and good neighborliness.

The President affirmed that the priority today is a ceasefire, the entry of aid, the release of all hostages and prisoners, a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the State of Palestine assuming its full responsibilities, the pursuit of recovery and reconstruction, and an end to settlement activity and settler terrorism.

President Abbas reiterated all the commitments and reforms pledged by the State of Palestine during his visit to Britain and his meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

K.T