In response to the Foreign Secretary’s recent remarks reaffirming the UK Government’s stated intention to recognise the State of Palestine later this month unless certain conditions are met by Israel, we have issued the following statement:
“As we near 700 days since October 7, we remember the victims, stand with their families, and demand the immediate release of those still held in Gaza.
“We remain deeply concerned that UK plans to recognise a Palestinian state, reiterated by the Foreign Secretary yesterday, risk rewarding Hamas’s violence and intransigence rather than maximising pressure for the hostages’ release. The UK should focus pressure on all parties to enhance the conditions for the return of hostages.
“Whilst there is understandable widespread support for an immediate ceasefire, the Foreign Secretary’s apparent assertion that this would bring the unconditional release of all hostages does not reflect any such commitment made by Hamas.
“Recognition of Palestinian statehood outside a negotiated settlement also risks overlooking wider drivers of the conflict. These include the need for Palestinian Authority reform, and the role of Iran and its proxies.
“We must also not lose sight that Hamas initiated this conflict, and its responsibility for suffering on both sides, including through the systematic misuse of civilian infrastructure and aid.
“Imbalanced presentation of the conflict risks exacerbating disinformation that is fuelling hostility against Diaspora Jewish communities.
“We nonetheless wish to re-emphasise our deep concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reaffirm the need for unrestricted aid to reach civilians, facilitated by all parties and through all channels.
“We also remain deeply troubled by the divisions within Israeli society exacerbated by extremist elements within the Israeli government. We reiterate our opposition to calls for the forced displacement of Gazans, as well as violence perpetrated by extremist settlers in the West Bank.
“We also recognise the diverse and sometimes polarised views in our own community. Nonetheless in our engagements with all parties we will continue to reflect the overwhelming desire of British Jews to secure the release of the hostages and advance lasting peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians and the wider region.”
Adrian Cohen
Senior Vice President