The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of Israelis still held by Hamas, has criticized the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia for their decision to formally recognize a Palestinian state before the release of 48 hostages who remain in captivity in Gaza.
In a strongly worded statement, the forum accused the three Western governments of granting “unconditional recognition of a Palestinian state while turning a blind eye” to the plight of those abducted during the October 7, 2023 attacks.
“As families who deeply want peace in the region, we believe that any discussion about recognizing a Palestinian state must be contingent upon the immediate release of all hostages,” the group said. “It is a moral and humanitarian imperative.”
The forum urged other nations considering similar recognition to “act responsibly” and ensure that any future negotiations about Palestinian statehood take place only after all captives are freed.
“Offering such significant political rewards without securing the return of all 48 of our loved ones represents a catastrophic failure of political, moral, and diplomatic leadership,” the statement continued.
“It effectively enables terrorism while legitimizing the October 7th massacre.”
While the families reiterated their desire for an end to the war and a sustainable peace for both peoples, they warned that the latest diplomatic moves could undermine ongoing efforts to bring their relatives home and embolden extremist groups holding them.
The criticism comes amid a wave of international recognition of Palestinian statehood, with France and other European nations expected to make similar announcements during this week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Hostage families slam UK, Canada, Australia for recognizing Palestinian state while captives remain in Gaza