Washington, DC – Following news that the UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal have formally recognized the State of Palestine – with Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Malta and others poised to follow – J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami issued the following statement:
“J Street welcomes this growing wave of recognition of Palestinian statehood. It reflects the broad international consensus that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only end with two states: A secure, democratic Israel as the national home of the Jewish people, alongside an independent and thriving Palestine.
Recognition directly undermines extremists on both sides who reject coexistence and seek only one state. It’s the opposite of a ‘gift to Hamas’ as it affirms that the path forward is self-determination for both peoples, not endless war or permanent occupation. A functioning and secure Palestinian state is also a critical element of international planning for the ‘day after’ in Gaza – essential to achieving a ceasefire, securing the release of hostages and ensuring that Hamas never again governs the Strip.
The real gift to Hamas has been Prime Minister Netanyahu’s deliberate weakening of the Palestinian Authority, his tolerance over many years of Hamas’ rule in Gaza and his relentless drive toward settlements, annexation and indefinite control over millions of Palestinians without rights. Threats of retaliation or unilateral annexation in response to these diplomatic steps only deepen the potential for Israel’s isolation, prolong the conflict, imperil the hostages and corrode Israel’s own democracy.
At this critical moment, those who believe in Israel’s founding values of peace, justice and equality must make clear: The only viable future will be achieved through regional, comprehensive peace – a 23-state solution that incorporates a thriving Palestine next to a secure, democratic Israel.”