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This week, Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israel Defense Force would occupy the Gaza Strip, following recent announcements by France, Canada, and the United Kingdom recognizing Palestine as a state.
Will recognition of Palestine make a difference? What would it take to achieve peace in Gaza? Newsweek contributors Dan Perry and Daniel R. DePetris debate:
Dan Perry:
France and the U.K.’s decision to recognize Palestine may seem well-intentioned, but doing so now could backfire by suggesting that terrorism works—namely, that Hamas’s October 7 massacre has brought Palestinians closer to statehood. At a time when Arab states are finally calling on Hamas to disarm, Western recognition would embolden extremists and further alienate Israelis. The key is the removal of Hamas as a military force from the Palestinian arena. Only then, under moderate leadership, should the West support a demilitarized Palestinian state.
Daniel R. DePetris:
The U.K. and France’s symbolic move to recognize an independent Palestinian state is unlikely to have any tangible effect on the situation. This decision stems from frustration over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza and images of starvation. The ground reality suggests that a two-state solution, long a U.S. policy objective under both Republican and Democratic administrations, is at best struggling and possibly already dead. Only Israel and Palestine can make peace.
Dan Perry:
You’re right that only those parties can make peace. But recognition now would give Hamas a significant political boost among Palestinians despite its recent military losses to Israel. It signals that violence yields diplomatic gains. Without Hamas’s disarmament, Israel won’t budge. This gesture risks sabotaging the outcome it seeks and will need careful messaging.
Daniel R. DePetris:
Hamas was becoming more rigid before European capitals recognized a Palestinian state. Recognition might give Hamas only short-term propaganda benefits that diminish as the war continues. Palestinians in Gaza are focused on survival, not state-building, and Israel is unlikely to move on statehood regardless of circumstances.
Dan Perry:
This Israeli government is stubborn. Recognizing Palestine could boost Netanyahu’s unpopularity. But the main goal is for Hamas to disarm and leave power. Perhaps Arab countries, having won recognition for their brothers, might take steps to achieve that. They’ll need to prevent Hamas from gaining strength.
Daniel R. DePetris:
Hamas should disarm but remains obstinate because it sees disarming as surrendering. A similar dynamic occurs with Hezbollah in Lebanon, another anti-Israel militia tied to demilitarization through Israeli concessions like a full withdrawal. Hamas will leave its weapons only if Israel withdraws from Gaza and ends the war permanently. But don’t count on it; Netanyahu is more interested in annexing Gaza.
Dan Perry:
Ending the war with reconstruction aid conditional on Hamas disarming would create huge pressure, possibly sparking infighting. Recognition of Palestine must not be credited to Hamas—this is a massive risk. The Hezbollah case involves Lebanon reasserting sovereignty, which it has started trying to do. Massive Arab and Western support will be needed.
Daniel R. DePetris:
You describe the Israeli position: ending the war in exchange for Hamas disarming. If realistically possible, it would have happened already. But it isn’t; disarmament means surrender to Hamas. Netanyahu believes military force can squeeze Gaza until Hamas surrenders. This is a losing strategy that endangers remaining hostages.
Dan Perry:
Disarming Hamas may be spun as Netanyahu’s victory but mainly benefits the Palestinians. This diabolical group oppresses Gazans and ensures no Palestinian state. Israel won’t budge while they exist. There will be no Palestinian state before Hamas disarms, which both will eventually do in some form. I hope “recognizers” don’t hinder it.
Daniel R. DePetris:
The situation is as depressing today as before the U.K. and France recognized a Palestinian state. The United States does little to end the war. If Donald Trump wants peace, he must pressure Netanyahu with U.S. military assistance. Otherwise, his words mean nothing and draw the U.S. into a moral conflict that doesn’t serve its interests.
Dan Perry’s profile:
Follow him at danperry.substack.com
Daniel R. DePetris’ bio:
He is a fellow at Defense Priorities and a syndicated foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune.
The views expressed are those of the authors.
📚 Reading Comprehension Quiz
According to Dan Perry, what is the key step needed before Western countries should support a demilitarized Palestinian state?
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