Israel Urged UK to Link Palestinian Statehood Recognition to Hostage Release

Israel pleaded with Britain to make the release of hostages held in Gaza a prerequisite for recognizing a Palestinian state, warning that unconditional recognition could endanger their lives and undermine negotiations, according to a report by The Jewish Chronicle on Friday. An Israeli government official told the newspaper that Israel implored Britain not to recognize a Palestinian state without conditions during hostage negotiations, as it could harm the remaining hostages and put their lives at risk. The then-British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced recognition of a Palestinian state on September 21, 2025, while 48 hostages were still held in Gaza. Starmer asserted that the decision was not a reward for Hamas. Twenty-two days later, the remaining living hostages were released under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement. Adam Rose, a lawyer representing families of British hostages or those with ties to Britain, told the newspaper that family representatives repeatedly argued that recognition would be seen as a reward for Hamas, but British officials rejected this during four meetings. Rose stated they were given the impression that recognition was ultimately a reciprocal decision, a deal offered to Arab nations who in turn issued a statement calling for the hostages' release. He added that Starmer had promised the families on September 11, 2025, that Britain would expand sanctions against supporters of Hamas and other "terrorist" organizations, a promise that has not yet been fulfilled. The British Foreign Office defended the recognition decision, denying claims that it endangered the hostages. A spokesperson told the newspaper that there was no evidence indicating that recognition jeopardized the hostages' lives or negatively impacted the negotiations mediated by President Trump, which ultimately led to an agreement for the release of the remaining hostages.