A British-Israeli woman who spent over 15 months in captivity at the hands of Hamas has accused Keir Starmer of a “moral failure” following his decision to steer the UK towards recognizing a Palestinian state.
Emily Damari, 29, who was freed in January, stated that the Prime Minister is “not standing on the right side of history” and should feel shame.
Her critique comes as attorneys for British families of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas argue that the UK government’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state could undermine efforts to secure the release of captives.
Starmer announced on Tuesday that the UK will recognize a Palestinian state in September unless the Israeli government complies with a ceasefire and commits to a two-state solution to the conflict.
The UK government also stressed that Hamas must immediately release all hostages, disarm, agree to a ceasefire, and acknowledge that it will have no role in Gaza’s government.
In her Instagram post, Damari questioned whether Starmer would have supported Nazi control over occupied countries during World War II, calling his move “a moral failure.”
She expressed her deep disappointment over Starmer’s stance on Palestinian statehood, arguing it could embolden terror and sends a troubling message that violence is rewarded with legitimacy.
Damari was injured when taken captive from her home in Kfar Aza kibbutz on 10/7/2023. Since her release, she has advocated for the release of remaining hostages and the return of deceased hostages’ bodies.
Adam Rose and Adam Wagner, who have represented families of hostages with British connections or ties, criticized the UK’s stance, suggesting that it could inadvertently promote Hamas’s refusal to negotiate a ceasefire.
The families urged Starmer to confirm that Hamas will not be rewarded and that no significant actions will be taken until all hostages are freed.
For nearly two years, British hostage families have called for the UK to leverage its influence to secure their loved ones’ freedom, arguing that the current strategy may delay the hostages’ release and inadvertently incentivize Hamas’s non-compliance.
