Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) sharply criticized the international push to recognize a Palestinian state, saying during a Tuesday interview that no credible leadership exists outside of Hamas. His comments came in response to decisions by countries like the United Kingdom to move toward formal recognition of Palestinian statehood despite ongoing terrorism and failed governance.
Appearing on Newsmax TV’s The Record, Fetterman was asked by host Greta Van Susteren about the logic behind rewarding what she called a “mythical nation” that remains deeply fractured and lacks clear leadership. She noted that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is nearing 90 years old and questioned who foreign governments believe will govern this proposed state.
Fetterman did not hold back in his response: “Absolutely, it’s a failed nation — not even a failed nation,” he said. “There is no real leadership, except for Hamas. And it’s clear Hamas refuses to change their views.”
He pointed to Hamas’ stated goal to destroy Israel and violently eliminate Jews “from the river to the sea” as evidence that the group is not a partner for peace, nor fit to lead any state. “Can you imagine if Hamas tortured and murdered 1,200 French citizens and [was] keeping French citizens underground for two years, how much enthusiasm in France there would be now to go, ‘Hey, let’s recognize their new nation’?” Fetterman added, drawing a comparison to the October 7 attacks in Israel.
His comments echo growing concerns among both Republican and Democratic lawmakers over the increasing number of Western nations pushing to legitimize a Palestinian state while Hamas remains in control of Gaza and the Palestinian Authority continues to lose influence in the West Bank.
Fetterman’s forceful tone stood in contrast to many in his party who have called for a two-state solution. While he did not reject the idea outright, he made clear that any pathway toward Palestinian statehood must be rooted in credible governance and a renunciation of terrorism—standards that Hamas does not meet.
The remarks have stirred renewed debate over the implications of recognizing a Palestinian state during an active conflict. With hostages still held by Hamas and no viable alternative leadership on the horizon, critics argue such diplomatic gestures amount to rewarding terrorism rather than advancing peace.
