Fortune found! Natan’s
From delis to designers, sacrifice Temple Fortune has it all Son’s bravery Special feature, p23-26 saved lives P6
VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY 31 July 2025
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6 Av 5785
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Issue No.1430
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@JewishNewsUK
Two states remains the ONLY path to peace. But you can’t build peace with posturing. Recognising a state while hostages suffer and jihadists survive isn’t diplomacy. It’s DELUSION. Rather than recognise Palestine, Keir Starmer needs to…
Recognise reality VOICE OF THE JEWISH NEWS Last week, Keir Starmer insisted he was “unequivocal” about the need for a Palestinian state, but stressed it needed to be part of a “wider plan which results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis”. Just 72 hours later, on Tuesday afternoon, the prime minister announced: “Because of the increasingly intolerable situation in Gaza and the diminishing prospect of a peace process towards a two state solution, now is the right time to move this position forward.” What changed in those hours? Regretfully, the apparent U-turn does not seem like a considered and measured decision, but rather a desperate attempt to quell a rising tide of political pressure – from hundreds of Parliamentarians as well as members of his own cabinet – for such recognition to take place. It also seems like a kneejerk reaction to France’s decision last week to announce its own similar plans.
The British government’s announcement contained significant caveats. Such recognition will only take place in September if Israel fails to take certain actions, such as reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, and guaranteeing the West Bank will not be annexed. Likewise, it will only happen if Hamas takes various highly unlikely actions of their own, such as releasing all the hostages and disarming. The sad fact, however, is that the UK’s ultimatum, rather than being a significant step forward, only shows the severe decline in our country’s influence on the world stage. Neither Israel or Hamas are likely to factor the UK announcement – or rather, its threat – into their decision making. We can also ask why, given the cabinet office stated that “recognition of a Palestinian state was an inalienable right of the Palestinian people”, the British government seems perfectly Continued on page 2
Protesters in Tel Aviv last weekend demanding an end to the war and release of hostages. Inset: Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing the UK plan on Tuesday