Is It Time to Recognize a Palestinian State?
If your vision of a “perfect solution” to the Middle East is an Israel or a Palestine existing “from the river to the sea,” this piece may not engage you. There is little here that will persuade those committed to that maximalist view. However, if you believe in the possibility of eventual peace, where Israel and Palestine coexist side by side with mutually agreed borders—perhaps not in friendship, but at least without ongoing hostilities—then consider that now may be the time to work toward making that vision a reality.
Gaza is devastated. Hamas, which stands for extreme anti-Israel positions, remains entrenched despite its crippled alliances and undeniable terrorism. Supporters of Hamas justify their brutality under the banner of liberation, acknowledging the harsh reality of their actions. Politically, Hamas has rallied anti-Israel forces and expanded their coalition by presenting itself as the sole alternative to what is seen as endless “occupation.”
This growing anti-Israel sentiment often blurs the line between legitimate political critique and anti-Semitism, leading to confusion and manipulation. The controversy surrounding the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, which recently passed committee in New Jersey, illustrates the challenge of distinguishing hate speech from valid criticism without clear leadership separating the two.
Looking ahead to a “day after” Gaza, credible Palestinian leadership beyond Hamas is essential to manage rebuilding and restoring life for Gaza’s two million residents. That leadership, however imperfect, currently exists in the Palestinian Authority (PA) based in Ramallah. While neither the current U.S. administration nor the Netanyahu government in Israel support this, European leaders and the Arab League appear ready to recognize and invest in them. Notably, France’s President Macron recently announced that France will recognize the sovereign State of Palestine at the U.N. this September—without predefined borders—signaling a shift in international willingness to support Palestinian statehood.
Historically, recognition of a Palestinian State has been a litmus test tied closely to Zionist positions. The notion of a two-state solution has been championed mainly by moderates and the political left, with recognition contingent on diplomatic breakthroughs like the Camp David and Oslo Accords. Yet, with Hamas controlling Gaza and the Netanyahu coalition doubling down on military control, these breakthroughs appear out of reach, leaving only misery in their wake.
The current situation demands a new Palestinian power structure that can authentically represent Palestinian aspirations. Israel will never be accepted as sovereign over the Palestinian populations of the West Bank (Yehudah v’Shomron) and Gaza. Calls for complete annexation—such as the 71 Knesset votes in favor yesterday—are deeply problematic and unlikely to bring peace.
Campus movements and the wider Muslim world must be shown an alternative to Hamas. Meanwhile, amid an undeniable humanitarian crisis, the people of Gaza need relief, hope, and a future not dictated by Hamas’s unwavering commitment to Israel's extinction. If the European Union, Arab League, African Union, and China were to recognize the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, investing and intervening to end hostilities, the political landscape could change fundamentally.
Regarding the current war, only two objectives matter: the return of hostages and an end to the killing. These steps would open the doors to sufficient humanitarian aid and begin the long process of recovery.
The Palestinian Authority has consistently refused to support Hamas or participate in the war against Israel. Their focus remains on a Palestine negotiated within pre-1967 borders, not the maximalist “river to the sea” slogan. They have earned international support as the only viable entity capable of governing and negotiating peace on the ground.
So, hold your nose if you must—but the time may have come to create the tools of statecraft. It may be time to assemble an international coalition of the willing, to end the war, to bring the hostages home, and to save the people of Gaza. Recognizing Palestine alongside Israel could be an essential step toward a peaceful future that ultimately guarantees the safety and security of Israel and its citizens. The moment to act is now.
Macron's leadership is a challenge to the status quo, and the status quo is terrible.
