Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, on Wednesday condemned the British government’s stated intention to recognize a Palestinian state, warning that such a move would undermine efforts to achieve peace and embolden Hamas.
“Our Government has announced its intention to recognize a Palestinian State – even if terrorists remain in power and hostages remain captive in tunnels,” Mirvis said in a post on X/Twitter. “This can only disincentivize Hamas from agreeing to a ceasefire. It therefore fundamentally undermines the cause of peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike.”
The UK government’s position, he said, imposes a clear ultimatum on Israel while placing no similar demands on Hamas.
“The asymmetry of establishing a clear ultimatum for Israel but not for Hamas is an unfathomable misstep,” Mirvis stated.
'A profound betrayal'
Mirvis stated that many in the Jewish community see the move as “a profound betrayal of Israel’s effort to live free of terror on its borders.”
He warned that such steps risk emboldening extremist elements, both in the Middle East and in the UK.
“As is often the case, when the Jewish state appears more vulnerable, extremists at home and abroad are emboldened, and Jewish people are more vulnerable as a result,” he said.
Mirvis framed his remarks within the context of the Jewish calendar. With Tisha B’Av, the annual fast day commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples, approaching this weekend, he invoked the traditional words of mourning.
“‘For these things do I weep…’ As we prepare to read these words in the Book of Lamentations this weekend, on the 9th Av, the saddest day of the Jewish Calendar, its narrative feels painfully apposite.”
The Chief Rabbi concluded with a call on the government to shift its focus toward Hamas.
“I implore our government to apply unyielding pressure where it belongs, on Hamas, the single greatest danger to the population of Gaza and the principal obstacle to peace,” he said.
Starmer responds to criticism
In response to the Chief Rabbi’s remarks, as well as public criticism from former hostages and their families, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the timing and intent of his government’s plan.
“We announced our intention to recognize Palestine in September to preserve the two-state solution,” Starmer said. “The first step in this process must be a ceasefire, and that is non-negotiable.”
Starmer said the government’s demands of Hamas have remained unchanged.
“For peace to be possible, hostages must be released. Hamas must lay down its arms and commit to playing no future role in governing Gaza,” he said.
He added that progress on the ground was essential for the process to move forward.
“We need to see meaningful steps, including the delivery of humanitarian aid. Israel must rule out annexations in the West Bank and commit to a long-term, sustainable peace,” Starmer said.
The British government will assess the situation before the upcoming UN General Assembly session.
“We will evaluate the extent to which Israel and Hamas have met the conditions we have set. No party will be able to veto recognition through its actions, or its inaction.”