Britain recognizes the State of Palestine

British Prime Minister Shkel issued a statement on the 21st recognizing the State of Palestine. The BBC reported that the announcement was met with strong criticism from Israeli hostage families before it was released.

Sixteen hostage families urged Shkel not to proceed with the plan to recognize Palestine in an open letter on the 20th.

The letter read: “Your statement that the UK plans to announce recognition of the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly is regrettable and complicates our efforts to bring our loved ones home. Hamas has already begun celebrating, viewing the UK’s decision as a victory and violating the ceasefire agreement. We write to you with a simple request: do not take this step until your loved ones are home to our arms.”

The BBC noted that 48 Israeli hostages remain held by Hamas in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.