UK to Recognise Palestinian State Draws Condemnation From Hamas Victims' Families

Sir Keir Starmer announced that Britain will recognise a Palestinian state, a move that drew swift condemnation from families of Hamas victims as about 49 hostages remain in Gaza. The October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas killed roughly 1,200 people and abducted 251, and the conflict has stretched on with no end in sight. Hamas continues to broadcast images of hostages and taunt loved ones, while families await word on their relatives.

Ian Brisley, 57, of Bristol, said the move was an insult to the memory of his sister Lianne Sharabi, 48, and nieces Noiya, 16, and Yahel, 13, who were killed, and to Eli, 52, Lianne's husband, who was taken hostage for about 500 days; Yossi, 52, remains.

British-born Mandy Damari, 63, whose daughter Emily was held for 471 days, described Starmer's decision as rewarding the terror group; Emily, 29, had two fingers shot off and was kept in underground cages while she had to hide her sexuality from Hamas.

Ilay David, whose brother Evyatar, 24, is still held, said the UK has chosen to hand Hamas and its accomplices the greatest prize: unconditional recognition of statehood.

Ditza Or, mother of Noa Argamani, said the world is watching you, what will you choose?

Moshe Emilio Lavi, whose brother-in-law Omri Mirans is among the captives, said we need more than words now.

Hamas itself has boasted that recognition by foreign nations would be one of the fruits of October 7, underscoring the sensitivity of the move for families awaiting the fate of their loved ones.

Difficult questions linger as about 49 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive, while Hamas continues to use captives as leverage and to broadcast images of emaciated captives in tunnels. The conflict has left tens of thousands dead and shown no clear path to release.