Foreign Secretary David Lammy has expressed hope that Britain’s threat to recognise a Palestinian state in September will “affect the situation on the ground” and lead to a ceasefire in Gaza, despite fierce criticism from former hostages and their families who warn the move rewards terrorism.
Speaking at the United Nations in New York on Wednesday, Lammy defended the government’s controversial decision announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer a day earlier, saying the world had witnessed “the most horrific scenes” in Gaza. However, the announcement has sparked a backlash from those who suffered under Hamas captivity, with British-Israeli Emily Damari calling it a “moral failure” that “sends a dangerous message: that violence earns legitimacy.”
The Foreign Secretary told the BBC’s Tom Bateman that Tuesday’s announcement “puts us on a pathway towards recognition” and expressed his “sincere hope” that the decision would affect the situation on the ground, leading to a ceasefire and the release of hostages “as soon as possible.
Hostage Families Fear Removal of Hamas Incentive
Lawyers representing 10 hostages held by Hamas who are either British or have close ties to the UK have warned that the announcement could backfire by removing incentives for the terror group to negotiate. They expressed fears that the UK’s position would make a ceasefire and hostage release “less likely” as it could lead Hamas to believe Palestinian statehood was achievable through violence rather than negotiation.
Emily Damari, the 29-year-old British-Israeli who endured 471 days in Hamas captivity before being freed in January, delivered a scathing assessment of the policy. Drawing parallels to World War II, she asked: “Had [Starmer] been in power during World War II, would he have advocated recognition for Nazi control of occupied countries like Holland, France or Poland?”
As a dual British-Israeli citizen who survived 471 days in Hamas captivity, I am deeply saddened by Prime Minister Starmer’s decision to recognise Palestinian statehood,” Damari wrote on Instagram. “This move does not advance peace.”
Global Community ‘Deeply Offended’ by Gaza Deaths
Lammy defended the policy at the UN, stating that the global community was “deeply offended by children being shot and killed as they reach out for aid” and calling for the restoration of medical equipment and supplies to Gaza. The Foreign Secretary emphasised that the UK’s position remained conditional on Israel meeting specific demands.
The conditions set by Starmer include Israel agreeing to a ceasefire, ruling out annexation of the West Bank, reviving prospects for a two-state solution, and taking “substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza” amid warnings of mass starvation in the territory.
Hamas must also meet strict requirements, including immediately releasing all hostages, signing up to a ceasefire, disarming, and accepting “they will play no part in the government of Gaza.”
Netanyahu’s Fury Over ‘Jihadist State’ Warning
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted with fury to the announcement, accusing Britain of rewarding “Hamas’ monstrous terrorism” and warning of future consequences for the UK itself.
A jihadist state on Israel’s border TODAY will threaten Britain TOMORROW,” Netanyahu wrote on social media. “Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. It will fail you too. It will not happen.”
The Israeli leader’s response reflects broader concerns in Israel that international recognition of Palestine while Hamas remains in control of Gaza legitimises the terror group’s tactics and undermines efforts to secure peace through negotiation.
Political Pressure Mounts on Starmer
The Prime Minister faced mounting pressure both internationally and domestically before making the announcement. French President Emmanuel Macron’s declaration on Friday that France would recognise Palestine in September added international momentum, joining Ireland, Spain and Norway, which took the step last year.
Domestically, a public letter calling for immediate recognition had been signed by 255 MPs by Monday, including more than half of Labour MPs. Sarah Champion, the Labour MP who coordinated the letter, said she was “delighted and relieved” at the announcement but added she was “troubled our recognition appears conditional on Israel’s actions.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey criticised the conditional nature of the recognition, saying it “should have taken place many months ago” and should not be used as “a bargaining chip.
Opposition Parties Condemn ‘Political Posturing’
Both the Conservatives and Reform UK strongly opposed the timing of the announcement. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labelled the move “political posturing at its very worst” and claimed Sir Keir was merely acting to quell dissent within the Labour party.
Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf told the BBC’s Newsnight programme that the Prime Minister had made a “political calculation” that “trivialised” the situation in Gaza, suggesting the decision was driven more by domestic political considerations than genuine concern for peace.
Staggering Death Toll Continues to Mount
The announcement comes against the backdrop of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza. At least 60,034 people have been killed in the territory since Israel launched its military campaign following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
That attack, which sparked the current conflict, saw approximately 1,200 people killed and 251 others taken hostage. The continuing violence and humanitarian catastrophe have intensified international calls for a ceasefire, though previous diplomatic efforts have failed to achieve lasting peace.
Assessment Due in September
The UK government has committed to making “an assessment in September on how far the parties have met these steps,” according to Starmer’s statement. This timeline aligns with the UN General Assembly meeting, where both Britain and France have indicated they will formally recognise Palestinian statehood unless significant progress is made.
As the September deadline approaches, the effectiveness of this diplomatic pressure remains to be seen. Critics argue it may embolden Hamas, whilst supporters hope it will force all parties to the negotiating table. What remains clear is that for families of hostages and survivors like Emily Damari, the announcement represents a troubling precedent that could have far-reaching consequences for future peace efforts.
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Image Credit:
David Lammy, 2024 – Image by Chris McAndrew, licensed under CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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