In a strongly worded statement, UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent announcement that Britain will recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel takes concrete steps to end the war in Gaza. Rabbi Mirvis warned that such a move could inadvertently embolden Hamas and derail efforts toward a ceasefire.

“Our Government has announced its intention to recognise a Palestinian State – even if terrorists remain in power and hostages remain captive in tunnels,” Mirvis wrote on social media. “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 Chief Rabbi expressed concern over what he called an “asymmetry” in the UK’s approach—placing pressure on Israel while making no demands of Hamas. He described the move as “a profound betrayal” of Israel’s right to live free of terror and warned that it could make Jewish communities more vulnerable both at home and abroad.

Mirvis’s remarks come amid growing international pressure on Israel to end its military campaign in Gaza, with over 250 UK lawmakers urging Starmer to recognize Palestinian statehood. France has already pledged to do so at the upcoming UN General Assembly, intensifying diplomatic momentum.

Despite the backlash, Starmer maintains that recognition of Palestine must be part of a broader peace plan, including a sustainable ceasefire and a commitment to a two-state solution.