No State for Terror: Israel’s Case Against Recognition - Faith & Freedom News

France, the United Kingdom, and Canada are poised to recognize the State of Palestine at the U.N. General Assembly. Israel and its supporters view this as a grave error, arguing that it rewards Hamas—a terrorist group still holding Israeli hostages and driving conflict in Gaza. Meanwhile, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have condemned Hamas, demanding it disarm and cede control of Gaza, a stance that aligns with Israel’s vision for peace.

The October 2023 explosion at Gaza’s Al-Ahli Arab Hospital offers a stark example of the dangers in this debate. Early reports claimed an Israeli strike killed 500 people, igniting worldwide condemnation. Yet, investigations by The New York Times, Human Rights Watch, and others later revealed a different story. The New York Times acknowledged over-relying on Hamas’s claims, and evidence pointed to a misfired Palestinian rocket as the likely cause. This rush to judgment shows how misinformation can vilify Israel while masking Hamas’s actions.

Politically, France, Britain, and Canada argue recognition preserves the two-state solution. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney ties it to excluding Hamas and reforming the Palestinian Authority. Israel, however, sees this as shortsighted. Recognizing Palestine now, while Hamas retains power, legitimizes terrorism and dismisses Israel’s security needs. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened trade consequences for nations moving forward. In contrast, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, supported by the Arab League and EU, insist Hamas must disarm and hand Gaza to the Palestinian Authority—echoing Israel’s demand to neutralize Hamas before peace talks can advance.

Granting statehood while Hamas holds hostages from the October 7 attacks sends a troubling signal: violence pays off. Israel has taken significant steps to minimize civilian harm, issuing warnings and opening humanitarian corridors in Gaza, yet it faces constant criticism. Recognition without dismantling Hamas endorses terror over dialogue and weakens Israel’s pursuit of a secure peace. Stability hinges on barring Hamas from governance and ensuring the Palestinian Authority rejects extremism.

The hospital explosion’s debunked “500 killed” narrative reveals the peril of misinformation, while France, the UK, and Canada’s plans risk empowering terrorists. Arab nations like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar align with Israel, calling for Hamas to lay down arms and step aside. Recognizing Palestine today would gift the architects of October 7 a victory, not a path to peace. Israel stands resolute: true security requires dismantling Hamas’s political and military grip on Gaza. Until then, premature recognition only prolongs conflict and dishonors terror’s victims.