British relatives of Hamas hostages urge the Prime Minister to rule out recognition of a Palestinian state until they are released – British Politics Live

British relatives of hostages still held by Hamas ask PM to rule out Palestinian state recognition until they're all freed

Lawyers representing the British families of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas have warned that the UK government’s intention to recognise a Palestinian state risks disincentivising the release of captives.

In a statement, they said: "The UK has stated that it will recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire. However, the risk is that Hamas will continue to refuse a ceasefire, as accepting one would make British recognition less likely." The families, represented by lawyers, have called on the Prime Minister to "unambiguously confirm that Hamas will not be rewarded and that the UK will take no substantive action until all hostages are released."