UK May Recognize Palestinian State Amid Gaza Crisis

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK may recognize a Palestinian state in September if Israel does not agree to a cease-fire in Gaza, halt the war, and commit to a peace process that includes a Palestinian state and no annexation of the West Bank. This position is partly influenced by public concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where a UN-backed group has warned of famine and the death toll has exceeded 60,000. Meanwhile, US and Chinese trade officials concluded talks without an immediate deal to avoid a trade war, but agreed to continue discussions on extending a trade truce, with a potential 90-day pause on tariffs being considered.