BBC:
Successive UK governments have said recognition of a Palestinian state should be part of a peace process at a time when it can have maximum impact.
In July, amid the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and under growing pressure from his own MPs, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer decided that time was now.
He announced the UK would recognise a Palestinian state in September, coinciding with the UN General Assembly, unless Israel met certain conditions.
Those included agreeing to a ceasefire and committing to a long-term sustainable peace that delivers a two-state solution.
Downing Street knew the conditions were unlikely to be met, with the current Israeli government strongly opposed to progressing towards a two-state solution.
Sources inside the Foreign Office when the decision was made insist it will be a galvanising moment, which will have an impact on the ground.
But even they admit it would be disingenuous to pretend domestic politics was not a factor.
Recognition of a Palestinian state has long been a Labour manifesto promise. Back in 2014, Ed Miliband, the Labour leader at the time, backed a non-binding motion to do so in the Commons.
Now in government, this is undeniably a significant shift in British foreign policy.
