Picture courtesy of Facebook/European Jewish Congress

 

The UK’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state has sparked backlash, particularly from Mandy Damari, whose daughter Emily is a British-Israeli hostage held by Hamas. Damari criticised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, alleging that his move rewards Hamas despite the ongoing conflict and the fact that hostages are still being held. Sir Keir defended the decision, arguing it’s a step toward reviving a two-state solution, not a concession to terrorism.

 

Made in coordination with Australia and Canada, the UK’s announcement comes amid increasing instability in Gaza. Israel’s recent operations have displaced many, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Sir Keir underlined the importance of maintaining hope for a two-state solution amidst ongoing settlement expansions by Israel in the West Bank.

 

Reactions are mixed: Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas praised the decision, hoping it would lead to peaceful coexistence. In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s foreign ministry condemned it as empowering Hamas. Advocacy groups for hostages in the UK echoed concerns about emboldening Hamas, while UK leaders from the Conservative Party and others voiced strong opposition to the recognition.

 

Voices like the Liberal Democrats’ Sir Ed Davey called the move overdue, emphasising the need for further action, while Green Party MP Ellie Chowns described it as crucial for affirming Palestinian rights. Others, such as Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, strongly opposed the recognition, seeing it as a misguided reward for Hamas.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• The UK recognises a Palestinian state, drawing sharp criticism from hostages' families and Israeli leaders.
• Sir Keir Starmer describes the decision as a step towards a two-state solution amid the humanitarian crisis.
• Reactions remain polarised within UK politics and international communities.

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UK formerly recognises the Palestinian state

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-09-22

 

 

Add Australia to the list. The "trustwothory" Palestian Authority, supporters of Hamas, has had a win. 

The European approach to addressing terrorism involves appeasing terrorists.

Well done.

 

Long over due.

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s foreign ministry condemned it as empowering Hamas.

The same Netanyahu who backed Hamas to prevent Palestinian statehood.

 

 

6 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

The same Netanyahu who backed Hamas to prevent Palestinian statehood.

 

 

And we are called the conspiracy theorists…

2 minutes ago, angryguy said:

And we are called the conspiracy theorists…

You stick with your love of conspiracy theories, those of us who can read will stick with the facts:

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/for-years-netanyahu-propped-up-hamas-now-its-blown-up-in-our-faces/

 

 

Ghazi Hamad said....."“The initiative by several countries to recognize the Palestinian State is one of the fruits of October 7."

 

That speaks volumes!

No, 

It's not a reward but will give Palestinians a state and a seat in UN to fight for their rights (International Laws).

UN troops might protect the border.

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Well done.

 

Long over due.

Yes, a win for Hamas supporters. 

42 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

No, 

It's not a reward but will give Palestinians a state and a seat in UN to fight for their rights (International Laws).

UN troops might protect the border.

 

UN troops might do as good a job as they did in South Lebanon where they allowed Hezbollah to dig tunnels and set up arms dumps under their noses!

All about police and nothing more. 🤔

What's happening is merely incentivizing Israel to kill all Palestinians.

 

If they are all dead, they won't be wanting a state.

 

And Starmer is just sticking it to the British for wanting him out.

 

Ps. Why no calls for an Aboriginal (Oz) or Native American (us) state, are they not also worthy?

 

Why is it always about Muslims?

3 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

Yes, a win for Hamas supporters. 

And anti-semites. 

 How can it be rewarding Hamas as it is related to the New York declaration voted at the UN, asking for Hamas  to be disarmed and to relinquish power in Gaza (and supported by the Arab league). 🤣

 

https://www.b92.net/english/world/163158/the-un-general-assembly-votes-on-the-new-york-declaration/vest