From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
UK chief rabbi says Starmer’s threat to recognize Palestinian state encourages Hamas to refuse deal
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UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis criticizes the British government for saying it will recognize a Palestinian state unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the war and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
Mirvis says UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision encourages Hamas to refuse a ceasefire-hostage deal.
“Our Government has announced its intention to recognise a Palestinian State – even if terrorists remain in power and hostages remain captive in tunnels,” Mirvis says in a post on X.
“This can only disincentivise Hamas from agreeing to a ceasefire. It therefore fundamentally undermines the cause of peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike. The asymmetry of establishing a clear ultimatum for Israel but not for Hamas is an unfathomable misstep,” Mirvis says.
Mirvis says many in the UK Jewish community view the step as “a profound betrayal of Israel’s quest to live free of terror on its borders.”
“And 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 says.
Mirvis urges the UK to apply pressure to Hamas, not Israel.
Our Government has announced its intention to recognise a Palestinian State – even if terrorists remain in power and hostages remain captive in tunnels.
This can only disincentivise Hamas from agreeing to a ceasefire. It therefore fundamentally undermines the cause of peace…
— Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis (@chiefrabbi) July 30, 2025
The Times of Israel Community.