British Hostage Criticizes Starmer Plans Recognize Palestine Amid Gaza Hostage Crisis

Emily Damari, a British-Israeli woman who was held captive by Hamas for 471 days, has strongly condemned British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement to formally recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel ends the situation in Gaza. Damari described Starmer's move as a "moral failure," warning it risks rewarding terror and prolonging the Gaza conflict by legitimising a state entity while Hamas continues its campaign of violence. She compared the recognition to rewarding Nazi control during World War II and argued that it sends a dangerous message that violence earns legitimacy, undermining hopes for genuine peace. Families of British hostages and legal representatives have also criticized the decision, expressing concern it could delay the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Tory politicians accused Starmer of making the recognition pledge to appease Muslim voters and backbench MPs. Starmer stated the move aims to create a long-term peaceful outcome, responding to the intolerable situation in Gaza and the stalled peace process.