Progressive Judaism in the UK remains firmly committed to a just and peaceful two state solution, a secure, democratic State of Israel alongside a viable, sovereign State of Palestine.

We affirm the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in our historic homeland. We also recognise the parallel right of the Palestinian people to live in dignity, freedom and security in a state of their own.

This must not be a reward for violence. Hamas – a terrorist organisation that rejects Israel’s right to exist – continues to hold hostages and exerts control over parts of the Palestinian population.

We welcome the Prime Minister’s demands on Hamas – that they must release all the hostages, disarm, and play no role in the future government of Gaza. We also echo the call of our partners in the Hostage Families Forum: there must be no recognition of a Palestinian state before the hostages are returned, because to do otherwise would be to legitimise terrorism.

Recognition must not embolden those who reject peace or undermine those working for a negotiated future, but encourage leadership on both sides invested in peace. It must be part of a commitment to the hard, necessary work of building a just and lasting peace, for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

For too long, the path to peace has felt distant, clouded by mistrust, political paralysis and deep trauma. Too often, statements have replaced strategy, and gestures have been made without a clear end in sight. If the UK Government’s support for Palestinian statehood is part of a serious, credible effort to preserve and advance the two state solution, then that is something to be welcomed with hope.

We are encouraged by any step that moves beyond symbolism and towards a real political horizon. Recognition, if rooted in the vision of two peoples living side by side, and tied to a process that promotes coexistence, moderation and mutual accountability, can be part of the solution we so urgently need.

This vision must also confront the painful realities on the ground. The annexation without negotiation, proposed by the Israeli Government, threatens the very possibility of a viable Palestinian state. Starvation and humanitarian suffering in Gaza cannot be ignored. These are the result of both the ongoing war and the deliberate actions of Hamas, which exploits its own population and continues to endanger civilian lives. If this is to be a step towards peace, it must be matched by a commitment to human dignity, international law and the moral imperative to protect all civilians.

All children, Israeli and Palestinian, deserve to grow up with hope, not fear, not hatred, but the possibility of peace.

We call on the UK Government to ensure that this step strengthens the forces of peace, not extremism, and creates real leverage for a negotiated outcome. If this is a moment when words begin to align with action, then it deserves our support.

We continue to pray and act for the day when Israel and Palestine, and all who call the land home, will live in peace, safety and mutual respect. If this is the beginning of a renewed effort to make that future possible, then it is not only welcome, it is long overdue.