UK to recognise Palestinian state as Hamas victims' families condemn move

LONDON — Britain will recognize a Palestinian state, a policy shift announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Sunday. The decision comes as the Gaza war continues and nearly 50 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, a factor critics say the move fails to address. Supporters say the step is part of a longer-term peace process, but relatives of Hamas victims quickly denounced the policy, arguing it signals that mass murder will be excused or rewarded.

The decision follows the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas assault that killed about 1,200 people and abducted 251, triggering a war that has killed tens of thousands and left scores of hostages in Gaza. Hamas has since released pictures and videos showing hostages in tunnels and in vulnerable conditions, a tactic used to apply pressure on Israel and international governments. Officials have said the hostage crisis remains unresolved, with 49 hostages still held at the time of the announcement, including around 20 believed to be alive.

Ian Brisley, 57, from Bristol, said Starmer's move insulted the memory of his sister Lianne Sharabi, 48, and nieces Noiya, 16, and Yahel, 13, who were killed on Oct. 7. Brisley also described his brother-in-law, Eli, as having been held by Hamas for more than 500 days while the group still possesses his brother Yossi's body. 'This is not just abstract politics,' he told reporters. 'It is an insult to the memory of those who were murdered and tortured.'

British-born Mandy Damari, 63, whose daughter Emily was held for 471 days, said Starmer's recognition amounts to rewarding Hamas for October 7. 'Keir Starmer is under a two-state delusion,' she said. 'Even if he thinks he is right, he is rewarding Hamas for the October 7 barbaric and savage attack on Israel when the hostages are still not back, the war is not over and Hamas are still in power in Gaza.' She noted Emily’s injuries, including the loss of two fingers, and described how Hamas had forced her to conceal aspects of her identity from the group.

Ilay David, whose brother Evyatar, 24, is among the hostages, said any form of recognition by the United Kingdom is a bad idea. 'The timing is wrong,' he said. 'Until the hostages are home and Hamas de-weaponises we cannot recognise anything.' His comments echoed a growing chorus among families who fear that recognition would embolden Hamas and set a precedent for other states to follow without securing the captives’ release.

Ditza Or, whose son-in-law Omri Mirans and Noa Argamani's family press for action, told Starmer that 'The world is watching you, what will you choose?' Her comments reflected the broader sense among some relatives that moral clarity is needed as Israel presses a ground incursion into Gaza.

Moshe Emilio Lavi, whose brother-in-law Omri Mirans is still held, added that 'we need more than words now.' He cautioned that active hostages must be prioritized over symbolism as the conflict remains grave. 'Irrespective of the Israeli government's policies, while our loved ones are being purposely starved, tortured, and used as human shields, the UK has chosen to hand Hamas and its accomplices the greatest prize – an unconditional recognition of statehood,' he said.

The policy shift has drawn immediate scrutiny from families who insist that any recognition should be linked to an end to the war and the release of hostages. The so-called fruits of October 7 framing cited by Hamas is a reminder that recognition without conditions could send the wrong signal to groups that advocate violence.

As Israel presses a ground incursion into Gaza City, international diplomats weigh the implications of Britain's stance. Officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The hostage crisis — with tens of thousands dead and 49 captives remaining — continues to shape diplomatic calculations in Europe and beyond.