This post is also available in:
English
Short answer
Canada, the UK, Australia, and others have “recognized” Palestine — but this is political theater, not real statehood. Far from promoting peace, it rewards Hamas for the October 7 massacre — the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust.
Hamas openly hailed the move as a “victory,” proof that terrorism pays. Critics from Nigel Farage to Kemi Badenoch called it “a reward for Hamas terrorists,” and even former U.S. President Joe Biden (who was very much in favor of a peaceful solution) warned against unilateral recognition, stressing that Palestinian statehood must come only through direct negotiations.
Recognition without conditions undermines negotiations and makes peace even less likely. By ignoring the Palestinian Authority’s incitement, terror financing, and refusal to reform, these governments chose symbolism over substance — handing those who call for the death of Jews and the destruction of Israel a political prize. This isn’t a step toward peace; it’s a dangerous reward for terror.
Long answer
Canada, the UK, Australia, and other states have announced recognition of a “Palestinian state.” But this is not real statehood — it is political theater, a symbolic gesture with no legal or practical effect.
Far from advancing peace, this move rewards Hamas for the October 7 massacre — the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Hamas itself hailed the decision as a “victory,” proof that terrorism pays. Instead of isolating a group that murders civilians, holds hostages, and openly calls for the extermination of Jews and the elimination of Israel, Europe has handed it a political prize.
Critics have warned of the consequences. Nigel Farage called the move a “reward for Hamas terrorists.” Conservative Party chair Kemi Badenoch also said it rewards terrorism by offering recognition “with no conditions whatsoever.” U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham warned it sets a dangerous precedent by legitimizing violence instead of condemning it. Even former U.S. President Joe Biden opposes unilateral recognition, stressing that Palestinian statehood must come only through direct negotiations between the parties.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority — supposedly the “moderate” leadership of Palestine and its UN representative — has never fulfilled its obligations under the Oslo Accords. It incites hatred against Jews, rewards terrorists with monthly stipends, and refuses to dismantle terror networks. The PA is not part of the solution; it remains part of the problem.
The recognition move may play well for local voters in Europe, but in the Middle East it only emboldens those who thrive on violence. Instead of pressuring Hamas to disarm and release hostages, these governments have legitimized its tactics of hiding behind civilians and firing rockets from schools and hospitals. This is not a step toward peace; it is a dangerous reward for terror and a betrayal of the very principles the international community claims to uphold.
In addition, this move was clearly intended to pressure the Israeli government to stop its war in Gaza, even while 48 hostages remain in captivity and Hamas has not surrendered.
