The UK, France, and other Western nations announced they will recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel shows progress on ending the Gaza war and restarting peace talks. Critics, including Israeli officials and hostage families, denounced the move as legitimizing terrorism.
Emily Damari, a British-Israeli ex-hostage, called the plan “a moral failure.” Hostage families said the move dishonors victims still held by Hamas and fuels extremism.
UK officials insist the decision targets the Palestinian people, not Hamas. The Arab League, while backing a two-state solution, also urged Hamas to release hostages and disarm.
