Israel and families of hostages still held in Gaza have sharply criticized the UK’s recent announcement to recognize a Palestinian state by September, accusing the move of emboldening terrorism.
The backlash follows British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s declaration that recognition will go forward unless Israel meets several conditions.
These include a ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian access, and commitment to a two-state peace process.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the plan, accusing Starmer of appeasing Hamas.
“Starmer rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism and punishes its victims,” he wrote on X.
“A jihadist state on Israel’s border today will threaten Britain tomorrow.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group representing relatives of those abducted during the October 7 Hamas attack, said recognizing Palestine under current circumstances “rewards terrorism.”
In a statement, the group insisted, “Abducting civilians should never be the basis for establishing a state.”
Echoing the sentiment, British-Israeli former hostage Emily Damari, who spent over a year in Hamas captivity, condemned the UK decision as a “moral failure.”
Drawing a comparison to World War II, she asked whether Starmer would have “advocated recognition for Nazi control of occupied countries.”
She called the move “shameful,” arguing it undermines justice for victims.
However, there were differing views within the hostage community.
Yehuda Cohen, whose son Nimrod remains in Gaza, supported the recognition, saying it could increase international pressure on Netanyahu.
He blamed Netanyahu for enabling Hamas by previously permitting Qatari funds to flow into Gaza.
“Recognition of Palestine creates pressure on those truly responsible for delaying the hostages’ return,” he said.
Starmer’s proposal marks a significant shift in UK foreign policy.
He stated that the UK would recognize Palestinian statehood unless Israel demonstrates clear steps toward peace.
These steps include allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza and halting any annexations in the West Bank.
Addressing Hamas directly, Starmer reiterated that it must release all hostages, commit to a ceasefire, disarm, and accept that it will have no role in governing Gaza.
“Our position on Hamas is unchanged.
“They are a terrorist organization,” he said.
The Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the West Bank, welcomed the UK’s move.
PA Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa called it “a vital step toward preserving the two-state solution.”
The PA’s foreign ministry praised the UK’s stance, expressing hope that other nations would follow suit.
Transport Minister Heidi Alexander defended the government’s position, insisting it was not about rewarding Hamas.
“This is about the Palestinian people,” she told LBC.
“It’s about starving children in Gaza.
“We must apply pressure on Israel to lift restrictions and allow humanitarian aid through.”
Despite Starmer’s reassurances, Israel’s government remains firmly opposed.
Its foreign ministry rejected the plan outright, while UN Ambassador Danny Danon argued that Israel had already agreed to ceasefires and is committed to bringing hostages home and defeating Hamas.
The ongoing war, triggered by the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, has led to devastating consequences for both sides.
Around 1,200 people were killed in Israel and 251 were taken hostage during the attack.
In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, which the Hamas-run health ministry says has resulted in more than 60,000 Palestinian deaths.
Most of Gaza’s 2.1 million people have been displaced, and basic services such as healthcare and sanitation have largely collapsed.
International experts warn that famine conditions are already unfolding.
Meanwhile, a joint international conference held at the United Nations in New York on Tuesday called for an immediate end to the conflict.
It also outlined steps toward a two-state solution.
Seventeen countries, including the UK, France, Canada, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, signed a declaration urging Hamas:
- to disarm,
- end its rule in Gaza, and,
- cooperate with the Palestinian Authority under international supervision.
The signatories insisted that Gaza be considered an integral part of a future Palestinian state.
They also emphasized that all governance and security responsibilities must rest solely with the Palestinian Authority.
The declaration also condemned the October 7 attacks by Hamas.
France, which co-sponsored the conference, described the agreement as “historic and unprecedented.”
As diplomatic efforts continue and tensions rise, the UK’s recognition pledge has sparked a polarizing debate.
The debate is about the balance between justice for victims, humanitarian relief, and the long-term pursuit of peace in the region.
