Mother of Released Israeli Hostage Accuses UK of Rewarding Hamas

Mandy Damari's daughter, Emily, was shot in the leg and hand during a kidnapping incident on 7 October.

The mother of Emily, a British-Israeli hostage who was recently freed, has criticized Sir Keir Starmer for the UK government's decision to officially recognize a Palestinian state. Mandy Damari expressed her disapproval, stating that the recognition occurred while hostages were still not returned, the conflict was ongoing, and Hamas remained in power in Gaza.

Sir Keir defended the decision, explaining that it aimed to revive hope for a two-state solution after Israel did not meet conditions set in July. He emphasized that the recognition was not a reward for Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization in the UK, and stated that Hamas had no future role in government or security.

The recognition of Palestinian statehood raises questions about its leadership and is intended to bring hope for peace between Palestinians and Israelis. The decision was made in coordination with Australia and Canada due to the deteriorating situation in Gaza, including a recent ground operation by Israel described as "cataclysmic" by a UN official.

While Palestinians in the West Bank cautiously welcomed the announcement, Israeli leaders criticized the move, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that a Palestinian state would not materialize and calling the recognition a reward for terrorism. Various political figures in the UK expressed differing opinions on the decision, with some viewing it as a positive step towards peace and others condemning it as rewarding terrorism.