On Tuesday, Keir Starmer, leader of the UK Labour Party, did just that. He announced that the UK will formally recognize a Palestinian state by September, if the Israeli government does not agree to a ceasefire and commit to a two-state solution. This egregious statement has prompted an almost-unprecedented counterreaction. Emily Damari, a British-Israeli woman who spent over 15 months in Hamas captivity, is among those most incensed. Indeed, Damari has criticized Starmer’s move, in fact labeling it a “moral failure.” As he himself notes, this option reduces the plight of the hostages who remain in Gaza.
Emily Damari abducted from her home in Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023. She fears that Starmer’s stance will push Hamas away from any negotiations with Israel to free hostages. While in captivity, Damari sustained life-changing injuries, including a gunshot wound to her leg and hand that resulted in her losing her fingers. Her critique strikes at the heart of what many families with hostages are feeling. They are concerned that by acknowledging a Palestinian state, the Israelis will delay the release of their loved ones.
Starmer’s announcement has come under fire from a number of angles. Legal advisers for the families of hostages say the UK’s strategy could create “bargaining chips.” They argue that at a time of extreme violence, this plan would give Hamas more benefits for its violent escalation than steps towards peace. Adam Rose and Adam Wagner, who have been advocating for the families, expressed concern that “the risk is that Hamas will continue to refuse a ceasefire because if it agrees to one this would make UK recognition less likely.”
Damari articulated her disappointment with Starmer’s decision, stating, “As a dual British-Israeli citizen who survived 471 days in Hamas captivity, I am deeply saddened by Prime Minister Starmer’s decision to recognise Palestinian statehood. This move does not advance peace – it risks rewarding terror. It sends a dangerous message: that violence earns legitimacy.”
Additionally, she questioned Starmer’s historical judgment, asking, “Prime Minister Starmer is not standing on the right side of history. Had he been in power during World War II, would he have advocated recognition for Nazi control of occupied countries like Holland, France or Poland?”
The UK government, along with other governments around the world, requires Hamas to release all hostages without conditions—immediately. They call on Hamas to disarm and accept a ceasefire. Families of hostages have urged the UK to leverage any diplomatic power it holds to secure their loved ones’ safe return.
Critics of Starmer’s position have made the law, enunciated a concern that his decision might further drag out the hostage standoff. They contend that unconditional recognition of Palestinian statehood risks empowering Hamas more than it helps in achieving a peace settlement.