The mother of a freed British-Israeli hostage has accused UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer of “rewarding” Hamas after the UK government announced its formal recognition of a Palestinian state. Mandy Damari, whose daughter Emily was held captive by Hamas for over 15 months before her release in January 2025, strongly condemned the decision, emphasizing that the hostage crisis remains unresolved and Hamas continues to wield power in Gaza.

Emily Damari was abducted from her home in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, during a violent Hamas assault. She suffered gunshot wounds to her hand and leg, resulting in the loss of two fingers. Her captivity lasted through harsh conditions, reportedly including being denied adequate medical care. Her release was widely welcomed but left many families still seeking the return of their loved ones.

Mandy Damari criticized Sir Keir’s announcement as a “two-state delusion” and argued that recognizing Palestinian statehood before all hostages are freed effectively rewards Hamas for its brutal attack. She said, “Even if he believes he is correct, he is rewarding Hamas for the barbaric attack on Israel from October 7 while the hostages remain missing, the conflict is ongoing, and Hamas remains in control in Gaza”.

Sir Keir Starmer defended the recognition, stating it was conditional on Israel not meeting set demands, including a ceasefire and hostages’ release. He stressed that the acknowledgment of Palestinian statehood was intended to revive hopes for a “two-state solution” and peace, clarifying that Hamas, designated a terrorist organization in the UK, will have “no future, no role in government, no role in security” under this framework.

The UK government’s stance has sparked significant backlash. Families of hostages with British ties have expressed concern that the decision empowers Hamas rather than compelling it to release captives. One group, Host and Missing Forum UK, condemned the move as “confronting Hamas” with unintended consequences, noting Hamas hailed the UK’s recognition as a victory while continuing to impede ceasefire and humanitarian efforts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also criticized UK plans, calling the recognition “rewarding terrorism” and expressing that formal Palestinian statehood under current conditions undermines Israel’s security. Likewise, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the UK’s decision as “absolutely disastrous,” warning it risks prolonging hostages’ suffering and fails to alleviate conflict hardships.

Conversely, Palestinian Authority representative Am Zum welcomed the UK’s recognition as a fulfillment of a “solemn responsibility,” urging that it be followed by concrete actions. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called it a “historic day,” while acknowledging ongoing humanitarian crises affecting both hostages and Palestinians throughout Gaza and the West Bank.

Since October 2023, Gaza has faced a severe blockade and resumed military operations by Israel aimed at pressuring Hamas for hostage releases. Humanitarian experts warn that Gaza teeters on famine thresholds amid food, medicine, and fuel shortages.

In summary, the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state amid continuing hostage captivity has intensified political and emotional tensions. The decision highlights complex dilemmas between pursuing long-term peace and addressing immediate humanitarian and security concerns. The next steps will likely involve ongoing international diplomatic pressure on Hamas for hostages’ swift release, monitoring compliance with ceasefire conditions, and reassessing peace prospects ahead of the UN General Assembly session.

This evolving situation remains critical for affected families, UK foreign policy, and broader Middle Eastern stability, with global attention focused on achieving humanitarian relief and securing lasting peace.