B’nai B’rith vehemently condemns British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s hypocritical and reckless ultimatum threatening to recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes “substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza.”

The hypocrisy of Starmer’s statement

Starmer’s contradictory position reaffirms that Hamas is a terrorist organization while simultaneously threatening Israel for not making peace with said terrorists, placing zero blame on Hamas for the ongoing war. While Israel has accepted ceasefire proposals from international mediators, Hamas continues to reject them. If Britain truly wants to end the “appalling situation” in Gaza, pressure should be placed where it belongs: on Hamas to release the hostages, stop terrorizing Gazans and accept a ceasefire. Israel has every right to defend itself, and we fully support that right. Starmer’s deeply misguided diplomacy only emboldens Hamas and undermines Israel’s long-term security.

Hostages are still held in captivity

Meanwhile, Hamas is still holding 50 hostages in Gaza, with many believed to be dead. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas massacred nearly 1,200 Israelis in cold blood, including women, children and Holocaust survivors. It hides behind civilians in Gaza, using them as human shields, continues committing atrocities, and is once again being rewarded for its genocidal terrorism.

Prime Minister Starmer is rewarding terrorism

Britain’s threat to recognize a Palestinian state while Hamas still holds Israeli hostages rewards terrorism rather than promoting genuine peace.

As we prepare for our annual meetings on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September, we urge member states to review the facts and withdraw support for a Palestinian state.