Sir Keir Starmer's commitment to Palestinian statehood brings "victory and liberation" nearer than anticipated, a high-ranking Hamas figure has claimed.

Basem Naim, who previously served as health minister in Hamas's Gaza administration, praised the development as evidence that global backing for Palestinian sovereignty was progressing positively.

He said: “International support for Palestinian self-determination shows we are moving in the right direction.”

The announcement follows the Prime Minister's statement that Britain would declare Palestinian recognition at September's UN General Assembly alongside France, contingent on a ceasefire being reached.

Relatives of those held captive by Hamas have strongly denounced the decision, arguing it legitimises terrorism whilst their loved ones remain imprisoned in deep in Gaza.

The Prime Minister outlined four prerequisites for Israel to prevent Britain's recognition: establishing a Gaza ceasefire, enabling UN humanitarian deliveries, halting West Bank annexation activities, and pursuing a two-state peace framework.

Israeli officials immediately denounced the announcement.

Similarly, Emily Damari, a British citizen held captive for 471 days before her release, argued that Starmer is "not standing on the right side of history".

She said: "This move does not advance peace it risks rewarding terror. It sends a dangerous message: that violence earns legitimacy."

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Sir Keir Starmer's commitment to Palestinian statehood brings 'victory and liberation' nearer than anticipated, a high-ranking Hamas figure has claimed

She claimed that granting legitimacy whilst Hamas maintains Gaza control and continues terrorist activities would extend rather than resolve the conflict.

She wrote: “Prime Minister Starmer is not standing on the right side of history. Had he been in power during World War II, would he have advocated recognition for Nazi control of occupied countries like Holland, France or Poland?

“Shame on you, Prime Minister."

The organisation Bring Them Home Now stated that establishing Palestinian statehood whilst 50 individuals remain imprisoned in Hamas's underground facilities constitutes endorsement of terrorist methods.

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Freed hostage Emily Damari slammed Starmer

They warned such acknowledgement breaches international standards and represents a severe ethical and governmental breakdown that validates extreme atrocities.

Adam Wagner KC, who has acted for captive families, cautioned that the Prime Minister's proposal could potentially postpone prisoner releases.

He explained that linking recognition to Israeli ceasefire acceptance might encourage Hamas to reject peace agreements, as doing so would increase Britain's likelihood of acknowledging Palestinian sovereignty.

The legal expert highlighted this tactical risk in the Government's diplomatic approach.

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Basem Naim, who previously served as health minister in Hamas's Gaza administration, praised the development as evidence that global backing for Palestinian sovereignty was progressing positively

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander defended the policy, declining to confirm whether captive releases were essential before recognition occurred.

She emphasised that whilst Hamas remained "a vile terrorist organisation" guilty of "heinous crimes", the policy aimed to support Palestinian civilians and facilitate humanitarian assistance.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism labelled the Prime Minister's position as "morally indefensible", arguing it signals that "mass murder, rape, and hostage-taking" constitute acceptable routes to diplomatic recognition.