Emily Damari, a freed Israeli hostage, called upon the British government and others in the West not to recognize a Palestinian state.
By Rachel Avraham
Emily Damari, an Israeli woman who was taken hostage by Hamas and later released, has issued a sharp warning to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “Recognizing a Palestinian state at this time would mean granting a political reward to terrorism.”
Damari was abducted during Hamas’s brutal massacre on October 7 and spent weeks in underground tunnels in Gaza. Speaking to The Jewish Chronicle, she delivered an emotional message, stating that recognizing Palestinian statehood now — while Hamas remains armed and hostages are still held — would embolden terrorism and further endanger peace.
“You don’t know what it means to be a hostage — to sit in darkness, in silence, forgotten by the world. I survived, but many still remain underground. To offer statehood to their captors, rather than justice, is a betrayal,” Damari said.
Damari argued that efforts by the UK and other Western countries to recognize Palestinian statehood sends the dangerous message that “terror works.” According to her, such diplomatic steps neglect the suffering of innocent civilians and legitimize violence.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz echoed Damari’s concerns, warning British politicians that “recognizing a territory controlled by Hamas as a state would not serve peace, but chaos.”
He stressed that no recognition should be granted as long as the Palestinian leadership fails to disarm terrorist groups and show a true commitment to coexistence.
Keir Starmer’s recent statement — that a Labor government could recognize a Palestinian state to support the peace process — has stirred political controversy in the UK. Many in the British Jewish community consider the proposal reckless and poorly timed.
Our Government has announced its intention to recognize a Palestinian State – even if terrorists remain in power and hostages remain captive in tunnels,” British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis wrote in a post on X. “This can only disincentivize Hamas from agreeing to a ceasefire. It therefore fundamentally undermines the cause of peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike. The asymmetry of establishing a clear ultimatum for Israel but not for Hamas is an unfathomable misstep.”
Lord Stuart Polak, a Conservative peer, responded firmly: “If you grant statehood to an unreformed, terrorism-linked regime, you’re setting a dangerous precedent. Others will follow this path — and peace will be pushed further away.”
Emily Damari concluded her plea with a strong moral appeal: “Those who believe in peace must also believe in justice. Hamas and those who hold innocent people underground must face consequences — not receive diplomatic rewards. We have not been forgotten. Justice must not be forgotten either.”
Photo from StandWithUs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgDTQODK6u8
