Multiple Western Nations Plan Palestine Recognition Amid Hostages Forum Opposition

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing families of Israelis held captive by Hamas in Gaza, has strongly condemned the moves by several Western countries, including the UK and France, to recognize Palestinian statehood amid the ongoing conflict. The group argues that recognizing a Palestinian state while hostages remain captive amounts to rewarding terrorism, legitimizing war crimes, and undermining prospects for peace. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UK could recognize Palestine as early as September unless Israel takes steps to end the war and revive peace negotiations, a stance criticized by the forum, former hostages, and U.S. President Donald Trump. The forum urges the international community to prioritize the release of hostages and an end to fighting before any recognition, warning that premature recognition would embolden extremists and validate terrorism as a political tool. Countries like Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have already recognized Palestine, while others, including Andorra, Australia, Canada, and Malta, are considering the move. The forum insists that peace requires a comprehensive deal for hostage release, not diplomatic actions that could be seen as rewarding Hamas's tactics.