Good Morning Britain viewers labelled an interview with Labour MP and former diplomat Hamish Falconer "cringe" as the politician was asked about Prime Minister Keir Starmer's recognition of a Palestinian state and the possible impact on remaining Hamas hostages.
On Sunday, the Prime Minister announced the decision to recognise a statehood - a move that has sparked divided responses.
During Monday's Good Morning Britain, host Susanna Reid welcomed Mr Falconer and asked him to "explain to our viewers and the families of the hostages that remain in Gaza why this is not a massive win for Hamas."
Mr Falconer, who has served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan since last year, replied: "Good morning. Let me just start with the hostage families, who I've met many times as the minister, I used to be a hostage negotiator.
Hamish Falconer was blasted by some ITV viewers tuned into the interview
|ITV
"The anguish that they have felt is obviously absolutely enormous. It's been a hellish rollercoaster for them.
"As I said to them a few weeks ago when I met them, everything that we are doing, we have the hostages in mind.
"It is vital for the hostages, as most families with loved ones still detained say, that there is a path towards an agreement.
"It has been agreements that has secured the release of the previous hostage releases, and what we are doing is try to make those agreements more likely.
"We secured, in July, a commitment from all 22 members - the countries who were part of the Arab League - that Hamas must have no role in the future of Gaza, that they must be disarmed.
"What we are doing in relation to recognition is far from rewarding Hamas. It's trying to create the conditions for their total defeat."
Co-presenter Richard Madeley hit back: "The situation where the hostages find themselves this morning is improved from the situation they were in at this time yesterday morning? Are you serious in saying that you've done them a favour?"
"Of course, the situation today is not different from what it was yesterday," Mr Falconer responded, to which Mr Madeley interjected: "It's worse for the hostages, surely?"
"The hostages are held by Hamas. Hamas do not believe in a two-state solution," Mr Falconer clarified.
"They believe in a one-state solution, from the river to the sea. What we are doing is creating the conditions for two states, recognising the second of those states, the state of Palestine.
Sir Keir said: 'Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution'
| X"We are trying to create the conditions whereby a comprehensive ceasefire is easier, because it is clear who would take over in Gaza -"
"Could you not wait for the hostages to be released?" Mr Madeley pressed on, adding: "I mean, because you could be wrong, your calculations could be way off centre, as far as they're concerned.
"Why didn't you just wait for that situation to resolve itself before recognising the state of Palestine?
"Why not just wait a bit until the hostages were at least safe? Those of whom are left alive, safe and sound."
"Richard, if you speak to the hostage families and you ask for them to wait, they will tell you how long they have been waiting," Mr Falconer pointed out.
"You are right that not all the hostages who are still unaccounted for are likely to be alive. We have done everything that we can, and we will continue to do everything that we can.
"I am also the minister responsible for British nationals in trouble overseas. I work every day on cases of British nationals detained.
"This is nothing but the highest possible priority. But we could not wait.
"The situation is deteriorating for the hostages, for the Palestinians in Gaza, for those in the West Bank who are facing an increasing number of violent settlements.
"Time is running out, and we have to act now to hold open the possibility of two states' moderate governance, the defeat of Hamas and two peoples living in peace side by side."
Hamish Falconer joined GMB for an interview on Monday's edition of the ITV show
|ITV
Reacting to the interview, several ITV viewers criticised the decision as well as Mr Falconer's responses.
One penned on X: "So cringe!! On every level. On top of it all, the lady reading while simultaneously butting in, distracting everyone."
Another argued: "It's a win for Hamas, doesn't matter what this guy says, Starmer and his collection of buffoons are deluded and make bad decisions every time they let their lips flap. Because you have their promise Hamas will not have any role in the future it must be so. UK's led by donkeys."
"We’ve recognised Hamas, its a dark day for Great Britain," a third complained.
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Hamish Falconer was asked on ITV GMB about Hamas hostages
|ITV
"Clueless man, shameful man! He & @UKLabour have left the hostages to suffer more in the hands of Hamas, whilst rewarding the terrorists! My Labour loyalty is 100% gone!" another wrote.
"The UK doesn’t recognise the state, the Labour government do, they don’t speak for me," another added.
Someone else shared: "They’re only doing this to keep the back benches happy."
However, others took a different view, with some instead questioning the presenters' line of questioning.
"A win for Hamas? That’s like saying a soggy biscuit is a victory for the tea—doesn’t quite add up. Recognition should mean peace, not more chaos," one posted.
"Palestine doesnt exist as a state they say? Well neither did Israel 80 years ago. That was until the world caved into Zionist terrorism Palestine pre WW2 had Arabs & Jews co existing peacefully Millions of Jews are not Zionist extremists They deserve peace too and are delighted," one ore wrote. (sic)