Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he is listening to the hostages taken by Hamas and their families, including British-Israeli citizen Emily Damari. Still, he remains committed to Palestinian statehood recognition unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and a two-state solution. This bold move has sparked both praise and criticism, especially as it comes during a time of heightened tensions and humanitarian suffering.

Speaking during a visit to Swindon, Starmer underlined the trauma experienced by hostages and the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“I particularly listen to the hostages – Emily Damari, whom I have spoken to. I’ve met her mother several times. They’ve been through the most awful, awful experience,” he said. “We must have the remaining hostages released.”

He added, “We also need to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where children and babies are starving while aid is blocked.”

The UK has consistently advocated for humanitarian support in the region. With widespread images of devastated hospitals, displaced families, and collapsed infrastructure flooding global media, the pressure to act has intensified. Starmer reiterated that the suffering of civilians cannot be ignored, especially when innocent people, particularly children, are paying the price of prolonged conflict.

Will recognition of a Palestinian state depend on hostage release?

Emily Damari, held hostage for 471 days, accused Starmer of a “moral failure” in planning Palestinian statehood recognition. She said he is “not standing on the right side of history” and expressed deep sadness over his decision.

Damari’s criticism has echoed through political circles, drawing both empathy and scrutiny. While some argue that recognising Palestine before securing the release of all hostages is premature, others believe it is a necessary step toward broader peace and accountability.

The government hasn’t clearly linked the release of all hostages to the recognition of Palestine. However, Starmer noted he will assess whether both Israel and Hamas have taken meaningful steps before the September decision.

He clarified that the UK will measure progress based on the fulfilment of several conditions, such as the declaration of a ceasefire, cessation of violence, and commitments to peace negotiations. These elements, he insists, must form the foundation of any long-term solution.

Is Hamas part of the recognition discussion?

The government emphasized that Hamas is not part of negotiations, as they are considered a terrorist group.

“We don’t negotiate with terrorists,” said the business secretary. “Our call for hostage release and rejection of Hamas in governance remains firm.”

The UK’s position remains clear: while it supports the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, it does not see Hamas as a legitimate governing entity. Officials have reiterated that Hamas cannot play a role in the future governance of Gaza or a Palestinian state.

Sources confirmed that demands on Hamas to free hostages and agree to a ceasefire are unrelated to Palestinian statehood recognition. Instead, the UK is engaging with regional and international partners to support a credible Palestinian Authority and civil institutions that can uphold peace and democracy. Read another article on Gaza Ceasefire: Starmer Meets Trump

Does the move comply with international law?

Government officials argue that their recognition plan aligns with international law. They pointed out that over 140 countries have already recognized Palestine. Recognition, they say, is a sovereign right of any nation and reflects a political judgment informed by legal and humanitarian realities.

Critics in the House of Lords disagree. A letter signed by 40 peers questioned whether Palestine meets legal criteria such as defined borders and a unified government. The signatories, many of them legal scholars and former judges, argue that these ambiguities raise complex questions about the legal basis for recognition.

Despite this, legal experts argue Palestine meets the legal definition of a state. One international law professor said, “The right to an independent and sovereign State exists now.”

Furthermore, the International Court of Justice has affirmed the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. The UK government cites this as an important reference point in shaping its stance.

This legal endorsement further supports the UK’s consideration of Palestinian statehood recognition as a legitimate and timely political step. Recognising Palestine, supporters argue, could help bolster moderate leadership within Palestinian society and counter extremist narratives.

What are the next diplomatic steps?

Starmer recently spoke with Egypt’s President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi. They discussed the humanitarian situation and the need for more aid. Egypt plays a crucial role as a regional mediator and border access point for humanitarian convoys into Gaza.

A government spokesperson said both leaders agreed on the urgency of aid and the path toward a two-state solution. Starmer reaffirmed his call for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The conversation also covered regional security and future cooperation.

In addition to Egypt, the UK has engaged with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the European Union to ensure alignment on long-term peace strategies. The British government is also expected to participate in upcoming UN dialogues to promote consensus around the Palestinian statehood recognition process.

Diplomats believe that unified international pressure can bring both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to the table. While challenges remain, particularly the absence of trust and the complexity of internal Palestinian politics, many see this moment as a rare opportunity to break decades of impasse.

What does the future hold?

In summary, Palestinian statehood recognition remains a key part of the UK’s foreign policy discussion. The decision will weigh humanitarian concerns, legal criteria, and diplomatic realities. As the September UN assembly approaches, the global spotlight will remain on the UK’s position and whether it follows through with recognition.

What the UK ultimately decides could shape the region for decades. Recognition may serve not just as a symbolic act, but as a catalyst for negotiation and healing. Yet it must be accompanied by clear expectations, accountability measures, and a coordinated international framework.

With the eyes of the world watching, the UK’s leadership and moral clarity will be tested. The coming weeks will determine whether Palestinian statehood recognition becomes a stepping stone to peace or another point of contention in a region yearning for stability.