Time to Recognize Palestine?
Hamas, the current political party governing the Gaza Strip, recently accepted President Trump’s peace deal. This marks an initial step toward ending the conflict between Hamas and Israel, which has caused the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians in Gaza. The deal also provides for the release of Israeli hostages who were kidnapped during the October 7 attacks and held for nearly two years.
But this alone is not enough. To achieve lasting peace in Gaza, Israel and the wider region, the United States must recognize Palestine.
Already, 157 countries recognize Palestine as an independent nation. Most recently, some of our closest allies — including Canada and the United Kingdom — announced their decisions to recognize Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly. The United States should join them and work collectively with the international community.
Contrary to Israel’s argument that recognizing Palestinian statehood would reward Hamas, recognition would instead help remove the conditions that allowed Hamas to rise to power — chiefly the promise of armed resistance against Israel’s ongoing occupation.
U.S. recognition of Palestine would also deter Israel from expanding settlements in the West Bank. With formal UN membership and American support, the Palestinian Authority could more easily regain the legitimacy it needs to govern both Gaza and the West Bank. If human rights abuse and civilian deaths continue unchecked, there is no guarantee that Hamas would not return to power in either territory.
Recognizing Palestine could serve as the first true stepping stone toward peace and stability in the Middle East.