The Palestinians have stated that they seek to gain non-member state status at the U.N. General Assembly (UNGA) this fall. Recognition of Palestinian statehood within the 1949 Armistice lines would prejudge the outcome of final-status direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, and rebuffs the position of the United States. The Obama administration should continue pressing Abbas to end his U.N. diversion and return to bilateral negotiations with Israel.
Talking Points
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This action won't lead to peace.
Peace will only occur through direct talks. By refusing to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and seeking recognition of a state at the United Nations, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is damaging U.S. peace efforts.
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Recognizing a Palestinian state gives legitimacy to Hamas.
Hamas is currently in control of the Gaza Strip--an area the Palestinian Authority claims for its state. The Iranian-backed terrorist group has fired thousands of rockets at Israeli civilians and is sworn to the destruction of the Jewish state. By granting recognition of a state, the international community will reward Hamas for its terrorist actions, rather than condemn them.
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The United States has rejected the Palestinian approach.
President Obama has said that “no vote at the United Nations will ever create an independent Palestinian state” and called the Palestinian efforts at the U.N. a “mistake.”