UN Reaffirms Palestinian Statehood as Right, Not Reward, Amid Gaza Conflict
UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations has asserted that the recognition of a Palestinian state is a right, not a reward for acts of terror, reiterating its commitment to a two-state solution even as Israel‘s war in Gaza continues.The statement comes following decisions by the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada to recognize Palestinian statehood.
UN officials emphasized that the pursuit of a Palestinian state is consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions. This position directly counters Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s condemnation of the recognition,which he characterized as “handing a huge reward to terror.”
“It will not happen. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan,” Netanyahu stated in a video statement, as reported by The Times of Israel. He further indicated Israel’s response to these recognitions will come after his visit to the United States next week.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry echoed Netanyahu’s stance, stating that statehood “must remain a final status issue and not be disconnected from peace,” and that the Palestinian Authority has not adequately addressed incitement, terrorist rewards, or counter-terrorism efforts. The ministry described the Palestinian Authority as “part of the problem and not part of the solution.”
Netanyahu also highlighted Israel’s continued expansion of Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria, stating, “Israel doubled Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria - and we will continue on this course.”
Israel further declared it would not accept ”detached and imaginary text that attempts to force it to accept indefensible borders,” and urged countries supporting palestinian statehood to focus on securing the release of hostages held by Hamas and the group’s disarmament.
