'Starmer is rewarding terrorism while hostages still languish in Gaza captivity'

SIR Keir Starmer was accused of rewarding terrorism after announcing yesterday that the UK would recognise a Palestinian state.

- By Katie Harris Senior Political Correspondent

The Prime Minister said the move was intended “to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis”.

Terror group Hamas quickly hailed the announcement.

Official Mahmoud Mardawi said: “These developments represent a victory for Palestinian rights and the justice of our cause, and send a clear message.

“No matter how far the occupation goes in its crimes, it will never be able to erase our national rights.”

The largely symbolic decision, which is opposed by the US, came under fire from opposition parties and Israel.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch described it as “absolutely disastrous”. She said: “We will all rue the day this decision was made.

“Rewarding terrorism with no conditions whatsoever put in place for Hamas. It leaves hostages languishing in Gaza and does nothing to stop the suffering of innocent people caught in this war.”

Reform leader Nigel Farage said: “This is a reward for the Hamas terrorists and will do nothing to bring about peace.”