The symbolic vote recognizing the Palestinian statehood passed by the British parliament should raise concern in Israel, British ambassador to Israel said in a statement Tuesday, citing that it reflects an international shift toward anti-Semitism.

While the vote is not likely to change Britain's diplomatic policies with its long-time ally, the vote signals a growing public condemnation of Israel's 50-day offensive against the Hamas militants in Gaza, said Ambassador Matthew Gould in an interview with Israel Radio.

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The conflict left more than 2,100 Palestinians dead, according to reports by the United Nations, while 72 casualties have been reported from the Israeli side.

Israel insisted that Hamas used the civilian population as human shields and that at least 1,000 of those who died are members of the terrorist group.

On August 26, the violent exchanges of rockets and artillery ended in an Egypt-brokered ceasefire deal.

The British Parliament resolution passed on Monday comes nearly a century after Britain's 1917 Balfour Declaration that essentially created the State of Israel in May 1948. Britain has long since been a stout Jewish ally. 

According Gould, the recent 50-day offensive that has reduced Gaza to rubble and Israel's continuing settlement work in east Jerusalem has "a very corrosive effect on international opinion," the Associated Press quoted him as saying.

He said it is indicative of a shift in public opinion that has been spreading in Europe. Just this month, Sweden has pledged to recognize the statehood of Palestine with France and other European countries likely to declare the same.

The Israel's foreign ministry in Britain denounced the vote as undermining the peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.

In a statement, it said the premature recognition by Britain will send across the message that Palestine can evade bilateral talks and still be able to get recognition as a state.

In Palestine, both Hamas and the Palestinian leadership welcomed the resolution, but emphasized its symbolic nature.

Palestinians see the Parliament vote as creating the proper environment for the creation and recognition of the state of Palestine.

The Islamist Hamas group that has seized control of Gaza claimed the vote is an important sign of changing international attitude toward Israel's annexation of Palestinian territories.

The House of Commons resolution was voted 274-12 in support of the motion that calls Britain's government to "recognize the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel," the Associated Press reported.

The motion had the backing of mostly members of Labour Party who argued that it could help push for lasting peace agreements in the region. Prime Minister David Cameron with the rest of the Conservative Party and other major UK leaders abstained from voting. 

Tagsantisemitism in Europe, Palestinian statehood, Palestinian Liberation Organization