Nashat Filmon said in a visit to Bible Society in the UK that Israel and Palestine were both to blame for the recent war in Gaza.

“War is a crime. Both parties are equally responsible for the recent war and the destruction that has taken place,” he said.

A recent report from the UN Security Council said that war crimes had been committed by both sides and called on Israel and Palestine to launch investigations into their actions.

US Middle East envoy George Mitchell this week extended his peace mission in the region as he continues to press Israel for a halt in the construction of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Although Mr Filmon welcomed Mr Mitchell’s efforts, he said there was “not a very strong chance of peace”.

“The mood in the West Bank is uncertain,” he said. “We are somewhere between war and peace. People feel betrayed. They had lots of dreams that haven’t come true. So they mistrust the leadership.”

Mr Filmon went on to warn of a “gap” between ongoing political negotiations and “what’s happening on the ground”.

Christians, he said, could help foster peace by acting as a bridge between Palestinians and Israelis.

“On the ground it is a very hard, devastating situation. People are hungry and thirsty, not just for food, but for peace, reconciliation and normal life,” he said.

“As Christians, we have a role to be peacemakers. Palestinian Christians are between a rock and a hard place. They can easily be crushed by both sides. But we have the opportunity to build bridges to bring both sides together.

“It’s our task to be true peacemakers between people and between people and God.”