Hostage families blast UK and France for moves to recognize Palestinian state
UNITED KINGDOM, JUL 30 – Families of ten British hostages warn that recognizing a Palestinian state while captives remain legitimizes Hamas and risks prolonging the conflict, urging the UK to prioritize hostage release.
- On July 30, 2025, families of hostages held by Hamas condemned UK and France moves to recognize a Palestinian state amid ongoing captivity in Gaza.
- The backlash follows UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's September recognition plan conditional on Israeli steps toward peace, while France pledged unconditional recognition days earlier.
- Critics including former hostage Emily Damari and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu argue the recognition rewards terrorism as about 50 hostages remain captive and Hamas continues attacks.
- Netanyahu stated, "Starmer rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism & punishes its victims," while Damari said, "This move does not advance peace—it risks rewarding terror."
- The controversy suggests deep divisions over Palestinian statehood recognition, as supporters cite the two-state solution, while opponents warn it undermines hostage release efforts and peace prospects.
12 Articles
12 Articles
UK Chief Rabbi Blasts Palestinian State Plan, Warns It Will Embolden Hamas
UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis sharply criticized the British government after it announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel takes significant steps to end the war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Rabbi Mirvis warned that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s stance would embolden Hamas, encouraging the terror group to refuse a ceasefire and hostage-release deal.
Families of Israeli Hostages Condemn UK Plan to Recognize Palestinian State
Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and a former captive have condemned the U.K. government’s announcement that it will recognize a Palestinian state this September unless Israel meets specific conditions, calling the move a dangerous concession to terrorism. Emily Damari, a British-Israeli citizen who was held hostage by Hamas for 471 days before her release in January, said she was “deeply saddened” by the U.K.’s position. In a post on s…
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