September 22, 2025, New York, NY – Wishful thinking should never guide statecraft, especially on issues as consequential as peace in the Middle East. By rushing to recognize a Palestinian state, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Australia chose empty symbolism over real solutions, while risking even greater harm.
Unilateral recognition undermines negotiations, removes incentives for compromise, and emboldens Hamas, a terrorist group holding Israeli hostages and openly committed to Israel’s destruction.
Peace has never come through shortcuts. Recognition must follow real conditions: the release of hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, an end to incitement, reforms within the Palestinian Authority, and a genuine commitment to peaceful coexistence. Anything less sends a reckless message that terrorism pays.
The American Jewish Congress stands for a negotiated solution between the parties based on a framework that guarantees Israel’s security and lays the foundation for a sustainable peace. Unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state before these conditions are met is misguided, dangerous, and must be firmly rejected.
(Photo Credit: “Emmanuel Macron (cop28_1565)” by IAEA Imagebank, CC BY 2.0)
