U.S. Secretary of State Blinken issues caution: Unrestricted acknowledgement of Palestine could bolster extremist acts
Former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Proposes Conditions for Palestinian State Recognition
Former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for a conditions-based approach to recognizing a Palestinian state, arguing that such a state should not be led by terrorists or maintain independent armed forces. In an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal on Monday, Blinken criticized recent recognition of a Palestinian state by France, the UK, Canada, and Australia.
According to Blinken, the priorities in the region are avertng famine, recovering hostages, and ending the conflict in Gaza. He emphasized that a conditional recognition plan would be "the ultimate rebuke to [Hamas's] agenda of death and destruction."
Blinken proposed that Palestinians must meet specific conditions for state recognition, including disarming terror groups, rejecting ties with Iran, and reforming the Palestinian Authority. He stated that no one should expect Israel to accept a Palestinian state led by Hamas or other terrorists.
Furthermore, Blinken argued that such a plan could facilitate Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and accelerate normalization with Saudi Arabia. He unequivocally condemned Hamas, stating that the terror group has long sought to sabotage peace efforts.
Blinken's approach centers on pre-determined, enforceable conditions related to the Palestinian leadership's disarmament and severing of terrorist affiliations. Recognition would be contingent on compliance over a defined period. He frames recognition as a rebuke to Hamas, aiming to empower a Palestinian leadership committed to peace and security alongside Israel.
Ending the conflict in Gaza and opening a credible pathway to a Palestinian state is required for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel, Blinken noted. He envisions a multi-year plan during which Palestinian governance consistently meets these conditions before recognition is granted.
In summary, Blinken’s approach centers on pre-determined, enforceable conditions related to the Palestinian leadership's disarmament and severing of terrorist affiliations, with recognition contingent on compliance over a defined period. He emphasized that recognition of a Palestinian state is necessary in the long term, but "now is not the time" due to ongoing hostilities and concerns over Hamas's control.
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