Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) strongly criticized the international push to recognize a Palestinian state during an interview aired Tuesday on Newsmax TV, warning that such moves send a dangerous message to Hamas and risk legitimizing its terrorism. Fetterman argued that formal recognition allows Hamas to reframe the October 7 attacks and the ensuing destruction in Gaza as a “worthy” sacrifice in their quest for statehood.
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.
Hamas applauded the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia on Sunday for their formal recognition of a Palestinian state, calling the move “an important step” and a reward for what it described as the Palestinian people’s resistance and struggle. In its statement, the organization praised the recognition as helping affirm Palestinians’ claims over land, holy sites, and their long‑held dream of independence, with Jerusalem as the capital.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued stark warnings Sunday, saying that by recognizing a Palestinian state, countries like the UK and France risk empowering radical Muslim minorities within their own borders. Bennett made the remarks ahead of a diplomatic push, led by France and Saudi Arabia, to recognize a Palestinian state during UN General Assembly gatherings.
The Israeli Hostage and Missing Families Forum has sharply condemned the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia for formally recognizing a Palestinian state while there are still Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The move, made by these Commonwealth nations as part of a broader diplomatic shift, comes amid intense criticism from those who argue recognition should be conditional on the safe return of all captives.
