Palestinian U.N. Statehood Bid

The United Nations General Assembly has voted to grant the Palestinians non-member state status. Such recognition of Palestinian statehood prejudges 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 return to bilateral negotiations with Israel.

Talking Points

  1. 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.

  2. 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 is rewarding Hamas for its terrorist actions rather than condemning them.

  3. 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.”

Resources from the Web

Jerusalem Post | Palestine and UNESCO

Henry Jackson Society | Political Implications of the Palestinian Accession to UNESCO

Council on Foreign Relations | UNESCO and After: Multiple Wrongs Won't Secure Rights

The Weekly Standard | Letter from London: A Palestinian Moral and Political Failure

Washington Post | Abbas' Desperate Gamble

Washington Post | How the Palestinians Can Find Peace by Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA)

The New Republic | If Palestine Declares Statehood, It Won't Change Anything on the Ground

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