Ex-Hostage Emily Damari Slams UK PM Starmer: “Shame on You for Rewarding Hamas”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended his plan to potentially recognize a Palestinian state in September, responding to criticism from former Hamas hostage Emily Damari, who called it a “moral failure” that rewards terror. Starmer emphasized his commitment to hostage release and addressing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, amid broader diplomatic tensions and domestic pressure.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed sharp criticism from Emily Damari, a British-Israeli former Hamas hostage, regarding his announcement that the UK may recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes significant steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Damari, who endured 471 days in captivity after being abducted from Kfar Aza kibbutz on October 7, 2023, posted on Instagram, “Prime Minister Starmer is not standing on the right side of history. Had he been in power during World War II, would he have advocated recognition for Nazi control of occupied countries like Holland, France or Poland? This is not diplomacy, it is a moral failure. Shame on you, Prime Minister.” She added, “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. This move does not advance peace, it risks rewarding terror. It sends a dangerous message: that violence earns legitimacy. By legitimising a state entity while Hamas still controls Gaza and continues its campaign of terror, the Prime Minister is not promoting a solution; he is prolonging the conflict. Recognition under these conditions emboldens extremists and undermines any hope for genuine peace. Shame on you!!!”
Responding in Swindon, Starmer said, “I particularly listen to the hostages, Emily Damari, who I have spoken to. I’ve met her mother a number of times, and they’ve been through the most awful, awful experience for Emily and for her mother. And that’s why I’ve been absolutely clear and steadfast that we must have the remaining hostages released.” He emphasized the need to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, stating, “Alongside that, we do need to do everything we can to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where we are seeing children and babies starving for want of aid which could be delivered. That is why I’ve said unless things materially change on the ground, we’ll have to assess this in September, we will recognise Palestine before the UN General Assembly in September.”
The announcement, made after a July 29 cabinet meeting, has drawn condemnation from Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called it a “reward” for Hamas’s terrorism, and from British Jewish groups, who fear it incentivizes hostage-holding. Despite this, Starmer’s stance reflects pressure from over 250 MPs and aligns with France’s similar pledge. Social media on X echoed Damari’s outrage, with one user stating, “Starmer’s rewarding Hamas while hostages suffer, disgraceful!”