Former hostage Emily Damari has strongly criticized the United Kingdom's decision to recognize a Palestinian state. Damari, who endured over a year in captivity by Hamas, expressed her disappointment in a public statement directed at the country's leadership. She argued that the move risks rewarding violence and could embolden extremists, rather than fostering peace. Damari warned that recognizing statehood while Hamas remains in control of Gaza undermines efforts toward a genuine resolution of the conflict.