Sep 22, 2025 02:20 AM
(This post was last modified: Sep 22, 2025 02:54 AM by C C.)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy50079dv4qo
INTRO: The mother of a freed British-Israeli hostage has accused Sir Keir Starmer of "rewarding" Hamas after the UK government said it would formally recognise a Palestinian state.
Mandy Damari, whose kidnapped daughter Emily was held for 15 months, criticised the decision being taken when "the hostages are still not back, the war is not over and Hamas are still in power in Gaza".
Sir Keir said the decision was taken after Israel failed to meet conditions set in July and would reignite the "hope of a two-state solution". He insisted the move was not a reward for Hamas - a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK - saying it could have "no future, no role in government, no role in security".
He added that recognition was intended to "revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis".
Ms Damari's daughter Emily was shot in the hand as she was kidnapped from her home in southern Israel during Hamas' 7 October 2023 attack, causing her to lose two fingers. She was kept in captivity for 15 months before being released in January.
Her mother said Sir Keir was living "under a two-state delusion", adding: "Even if he [Sir Keir Starmer] thinks he is right, he is rewarding Hamas for the 7 October 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."
The UK announcement in a co-ordinated move with Australia and Canada comes after government sources said the situation on the ground in Gaza had worsened significantly in the last few weeks... (MORE - details)
INTRO: The mother of a freed British-Israeli hostage has accused Sir Keir Starmer of "rewarding" Hamas after the UK government said it would formally recognise a Palestinian state.
Mandy Damari, whose kidnapped daughter Emily was held for 15 months, criticised the decision being taken when "the hostages are still not back, the war is not over and Hamas are still in power in Gaza".
Sir Keir said the decision was taken after Israel failed to meet conditions set in July and would reignite the "hope of a two-state solution". He insisted the move was not a reward for Hamas - a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK - saying it could have "no future, no role in government, no role in security".
He added that recognition was intended to "revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis".
Ms Damari's daughter Emily was shot in the hand as she was kidnapped from her home in southern Israel during Hamas' 7 October 2023 attack, causing her to lose two fingers. She was kept in captivity for 15 months before being released in January.
Her mother said Sir Keir was living "under a two-state delusion", adding: "Even if he [Sir Keir Starmer] thinks he is right, he is rewarding Hamas for the 7 October 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."
The UK announcement in a co-ordinated move with Australia and Canada comes after government sources said the situation on the ground in Gaza had worsened significantly in the last few weeks... (MORE - details)
