Emily Damari, a dual British‑Israeli citizen who endured 471 harrowing days as a hostage under Hamas, has sharply criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
She accused him of emboldening the terror group by moving to recognise a Palestinian state—calling it a moral failure, not diplomacy.
Starmer’s Conditional Recognition Push Divides Opinion
At the heart of the controversy is Starmer’s announcement that Britain will recognise Palestine within weeks, unless Israel takes steps to end the Gaza war, backs a ceasefire, and drops opposition to a two‑state solution.
But that plan has provoked a furious response at home and abroad.
Damari’s Emotional Instagram Post: “Shame on You”
Damari took to Instagram to express her heartbreak and disappointment:
“This move does not advance peace — it risks rewarding terror.
It sends a dangerous message: that violence earns legitimacy.”
She warned that recognising a state while Hamas still governs Gaza only strengthens extremist voices and undermines chances for a lasting peace.
British Hostage Families Issue Legal Warning
Families of British hostages also voiced concerns, in statements released via their lawyers, that the UK’s approach may delay the release of captives.
They fear Hamas could use the expectation of recognition as leverage—refusing a ceasefire to maintain negotiating power.
They urged the government not to make any substantive diplomatic moves until all hostages are safely returned.
Netanyahu and Trump Sound Alarm Over Recognition
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded sharply, warning that a “jihadist state on Israel’s border” poses a threat to Britain.
Former US President Donald Trump chimed in as well—saying recognition would amount to rewarding Hamas, something he strongly opposed.
US State Department Calls the Recognition a “Slap in the Face”
Tammy Bruce, a US State Department spokesperson, described Starmer’s remarks as a “slap in the face for the victims of October 7.” She argued that the move gives hope to Hamas, stating that only the terror group stands to benefit from such recognition while the conflict continues.
UK Government Defends Decision: “This is About the People, Not Hamas”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander insisted the UK’s plan isn’t appeasing Hamas, but rather supporting the Palestinian people.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4, she confirmed that hostage release, disarmament, and no future role for Hamas are expected prerequisites for recognition.
She emphasized the move aligns with Labour tradition and wished to act at a moment of maximum impact.
Critics Claim the PM is Bowing to Internal Pressure
Conservative MPs, including Priti Patel and Kemi Badenoch, accused Starmer of acting without a solid plan, focusing on appeasing Labour backbenchers instead of safeguarding Britain’s diplomatic standing.
They argued his approach damages the UK’s credibility and could embolden Hamas further.
International Calls Spark Diplomatic Tensions
Starmer has reached out to global leaders—including from Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority—to outline what he calls the UK’s “framework for peace.”
But tension remains over whether recognition should wait until after hostages are freed and a ceasefire is established.
Is Recognition Realistic Without Hamas Disarmament?
With neither Israel nor Hamas likely to meet the conditions in the coming weeks, the UK appears on a track to recognise Palestine even while Gaza remains under Hamas control.
Starmer insists Hamas will play no role in any future governance, though critics argue the lack of clear borders or a legitimate Palestinian partner leaves the policy on shaky ground.
The Fallout: Political Backlash Across the Spectrum
By any measure, Starmer’s announcement has drawn backlash—from former hostage survivors, opposition MPs, and international leaders alike.
While some Labour MPs welcome the decision as overdue, others warn that making recognition conditional risks undermining its moral authority.
As Gaza remains in crisis, diplomacy and domestic politics are now deeply entangled in a high-stakes gamble.
