UK defies US and hostage families over Palestine recognition

The UK is set to recognise a Palestinian state on Sunday (Jane Barlow/PA) Jane Barlow

The UK is set to recognise a Palestinian state on Sunday despite mounting pressure from the United States and families of hostages held by Hamas. Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) is expected to confirm the historic move after concluding the situation has deteriorated since he urged Israel to change course over the summer.

The Government has grown increasingly alarmed at plans to accelerate Israeli settlements in the West Bank, fearing this development will eliminate any remaining hope of achieving a two-state solution. Starmer indicated in July he would recognise Palestine ahead of next week's UN General Assembly if conditions failed to improve, and officials believe the situation has worsened significantly in recent weeks.

West Bank expansion drives decision

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who will represent the UK at the UN gathering, outlined the Government's reasoning for the controversial move. "It's important to state that the recognition of a Palestinian state, it is a consequence of the serious expansion that we're seeing in the West Bank, the settler violence that we're seeing in the West Bank and the intention and indications that we're seeing to build, for example, the E1 development that would run a coach and horses through the possibility of a two-state solution," he said.

Ministers have emphasised that Palestinian state recognition does not constitute a reward for Hamas, insisting the militant group can have no role in Gaza's future governance. The Government has intensified demands for hostage releases and expects to strengthen sanctions against Hamas in due course.

Lammy stressed the urgency of addressing the Gaza crisis. "In relation to what is happening in Gaza… we've got to see the hostages out. There can be no place, no place at all for Hamas. The humanitarian situation is just desperate and we have continued to press Israel to deal with the scenes of malnourishment and starvation that we're seeing, to open up more sites to get more aid in to Gaza and we are very concerned about this continued offensive into Gaza City," he said.

Congressional Republicans condemn move

Leading US politicians have sharply criticised the planned recognition, warning it would embolden Hamas and compromise Israel's security. Congressional Republican leaders, including chairwoman Elise Stefanik and Senator Rick Scott, sent a stern letter to the UK and other key allies condemning the decision.

"This is a reckless policy that undermines prospects for peace," wrote Stefanik and Scott. "It sets the dangerous precedent that violence, not diplomacy, is the most expedient means for terrorist groups like Hamas to achieve their political aims."

During his state visit to the UK, US President Donald Trump publicly expressed his disapproval of the recognition plan. Trump said he has "a disagreement with the Prime Minister" about the decision.

Hostage families issue urgent plea

Families of those taken in the October seven attack have warned that state recognition could severely complicate efforts to secure their loved ones' release. In an emotional open letter to Starmer, they expressed their deep concerns about the timing.

"Your regrettable announcement of the UK's intention to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly has dramatically complicated efforts to bring home our loved ones," they wrote. "Hamas has already celebrated the UK's decision as a victory and reneged on a ceasefire deal. We write to you with a simple plea - do not take this step until our loved ones are home and in our arms."

Ilay David, whose brother Evyatar David appeared emaciated in a Hamas video last month, delivered a particularly pointed criticism. "Giving this recognition is like saying to Hamas: 'It is OK, you can keep starving the hostages, you can keep using them as human shields.' This kind of recognition gives Hamas power to be stubborn in negotiations. That is the last thing we need right now," he said.

Opposition parties attack decision

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel accused Starmer of "capitulating" to his backbenchers to shore up his leadership position. "With the terrorist organisation Hamas still holding hostages in barbaric conditions and glorifying acts of terror, Starmer is sending a dangerous message, where violence and extremism are tolerated and rewarded," she said.

Dame Priti also dismissed the Government's preparation of fresh Hamas sanctions as a "feeble last-minute attempt" to placate Trump. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage delivered an equally scathing assessment of the decision.

"Hamas and a Palestinian state are inseparable for now. This is typical of Starmer, he can't really decide where he stands," Farage said. "Whatever the caveats in his statement, this announcement is a surrender to terrorism and a betrayal of Israel."

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.