This morning, representatives of the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council met the Middle East Minister, Hamish Falconer MP, and conveyed the deep objections across our community over recognising a Palestinian state at this time.
The UK government indicated at the end of July its intention to recognise a Palestinian state before the UN General Assembly meeting that begins next week, if Israel – and only Israel – failed to meet certain conditions.
The communal representatives reiterated our dismay that the government’s position has failed to maximise pressure on Hamas to release the hostages and may have created incentives on the group to avoid a ceasefire, and an end to this dreadful war.
We affirmed that we share the government’s objectives for the long-term peace of the region and the need to ensure vital humanitarian aid reaches those in urgent need, but that UK policy in relation to recognition has not progressed these aims and created the wrong incentives. We told the minister that the UK’s apparent intention to recognise a Palestinian state at this time and without any condition relating to the hostages was a source of deep disappointment to hostage families and many across the Jewish community. This was exacerbated by fears that an announcement may come on the eve of Rosh Hashanah – the Jewish New Year.
We pressed the minister for details about the practical implications of any decision to recognise a Palestinian state. On key questions of concern that arise from potential recognition, we received insufficient clarity.
We also reminded the Minister of the impact this conflict has had in emboldening antisemites here in the UK. We called on him to remind MPs and other senior politicians to be responsible in their language when, unfortunately, some are taking positions that exacerbate tensions exposed by this conflict within British society.
Photo: Elliot Vick