Israel Warns Recognition of Palestinian State Could Destabilise Middle East

TDT | Manama

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Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has warned that recognising Palestinian statehood would destabilise the Middle East, as more countries announce their plans to support the move.

French President Emmanuel Macron said in July that France would push for recognition at the upcoming UN General Assembly. Since then, Australia, Belgium, and Canada have also declared their intention to do the same. The United Kingdom added that it would take the step if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza.

“The current initiative to recognise a so-called Palestinian state rewards Hamas for the October 7 massacre,” Saar said during a visit to Croatia, referring to the 2023 attack on Israel. “This initiative will not bring us closer to peace or security. On the contrary, it will only destabilise the region.”

Saar’s remarks came during a joint press conference with Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman, who reiterated his support for a two-state solution – an option Israel rejects.

Meanwhile, Spain, which recognised Palestine last year, announced new measures on Monday, including an arms embargo on Israel. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accused Israel of committing “genocide in Gaza.”

The European Union has not reached a unified stance on the matter due to divisions among its 27 member states.

“Peace will be achieved in a bilateral context and not through decisions taken in Paris or Madrid,” Saar stressed.

The conflict erupted after Hamas launched an attack on Israel in October 2023, killing 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Israel’s military response has since killed more than 64,600 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.