Rubio rejects Palestine recognition, calls It harmful

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Friday, August 1st, 2025

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Sources Anadolu Agency

ANKARA – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has dismissed recent decisions by several Western nations to recognize Palestine, saying the moves are “irrelevant” without Israel’s agreement.
Speaking to Fox Radio on Thursday, Rubio said, “None of these countries can create a Palestinian state. There can’t be one unless Israel agrees.” He questioned the logic behind the recognitions, adding, “They can’t even say where this state would be or who would govern it.”
Rubio argued that these recognitions send the wrong message while hostages are still being held by Hamas. “Hamas is holding 20 people hostage and the bodies of over 50 others. These moves seem like a reward to Hamas,” he said.
He claimed that the recognitions harm ongoing ceasefire negotiations by giving Hamas less incentive to cooperate. “These statements won’t change the facts on the ground. All they do is strengthen Hamas and reduce the chances of a ceasefire or hostage release,” he added.
Rubio suggested that the recognitions are driven by domestic political pressures in Europe and North America. “It’s about internal politics, not peace. These countries are trying to satisfy their own political audiences,” he said.
He urged countries recognizing Palestine to shift their focus and instead put collective pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages immediately.
Despite Rubio’s criticism, some Western leaders argue that recognizing Palestine is essential for long-term peace. French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Malta’s Foreign Ministry have all indicated plans to officially recognize Palestine during the UN General Assembly in September.
Supporters of recognition say it is not a reward for Hamas, but a necessary step toward peace and a two-state solution in the region.