Freed British-Israeli Hostage Condemns Starmer's Gaza Recognition Plan as 'Rewarding Terror'

Emily Damari, a British-Israeli woman who spent over 15 months in Hamas captivity, has publicly condemned Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge to recognize a Palestinian state, calling it a dangerous move that "risks rewarding terror." Released in January 2025 after being held hostage since October 2023, Damari highlighted the ongoing plight of her friends Ziv and Gali Berman, still detained by Hamas, and expressed deep reservations about the UK’s conditional recognition plan.

Starmer announced on Tuesday that the UK would recognize a Palestinian state in September, contingent on Israel agreeing to a ceasefire and reviving a two-state solution. However, Damari and other families of hostages argue this approach could inadvertently incentivize Hamas to prolong the conflict. "Prime Minister Starmer is not standing on the right side of history," Damari wrote on social media, questioning whether such recognition would align with historical justice if applied to Nazi-occupied countries during World War II.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly condemned the UK’s stance, accusing it of rewarding Hamas’s "monstrous terrorism." The families of hostages, including those of Steve Brisley, whose sister and nieces were killed in the October 7 attack, emphasized their focus on immediate action rather than broader political debates. Brisley stated, "We need moral clarity that the release of hostages will bring this to an end," warning that the lack of a Hamas ceasefire deadline could undermine efforts to secure freedom for the remaining captives.

The UK’s decision comes amid escalating humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where UN-backed experts have warned of a "famine scenario" due to severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report indicated that famine thresholds have been reached in most of the Gaza Strip, though it stopped short of an official classification. Critics argue that Israel’s blockade and military actions, combined with aid distribution by US-Israel-backed groups, have exacerbated the crisis.

Legal representatives of hostage families reiterated their fears that Starmer’s plan might delay the release of captives by giving Hamas leverage. "Recognition under these conditions emboldens extremists and undermines any hope for genuine peace," one statement read. The families urged the UK to "provide clarity" that Hamas will not be rewarded for its actions and to prioritize the unconditional return of all hostages.

Starmer’s announcement also faces scrutiny over its timing, as Israel recently resumed a military offensive after a brief ceasefire. The UK’s foreign secretary, David Lammy, acknowledged the dire situation in Gaza, stating, "The world has seen the most horrific humanitarian crisis in modern history." Yet, the debate over recognition continues to deepen divisions, with families of hostages and survivors demanding a focus on de-escalation and rescue efforts over political gestures.

As the situation in Gaza worsens, the UK’s stance has drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the conflict. While Starmer frames his decision as a step toward peace, those directly affected argue it risks normalizing violence and prolonging suffering. The path forward remains unclear, with time running out for the hostages still held and the international community grappling with how to balance diplomacy and humanitarian urgency.

Source: BBC News