By Eniola Amadu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized Western countries that have recently recognized Palestinian statehood, saying such decisions send the wrong signal amid Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Netanyahu said the recognition announced this week by France, Britain, Australia, Canada and others came less than two years after Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people in Israel during their October 7, 2023 attack.
“The message that this recognition sends is that violence pays,” Netanyahu said.
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He described the moves as a “mark of shame” and argued that they reward Hamas rather than encourage peace.
The conflict in Gaza has left more than 65,000 Palestinians dead, according to health authorities in the territory, and caused widespread destruction.
Israel’s government has rejected accusations of war crimes and says Hamas bears responsibility for civilian casualties because its fighters operate in densely populated areas.
Netanyahu’s remarks drew a divided response inside the Assembly. Dozens of delegates left the hall during his address, while some others applauded. Outside, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated near Times Square.
Several governments have said recognition of Palestinian statehood is aimed at preserving the possibility of a two-state solution and advancing efforts to end the conflict.
Addressing the UN after Netanyahu, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, whose country recognized Palestine last year, called Israel’s actions in Gaza “an abandonment of international rules and law.”
The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for Netanyahu on allegations of war crimes. Israel rejects the court’s jurisdiction and denies wrongdoing.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking by video link, welcomed recent recognition moves and called for his administration to govern Gaza after the war.
He also repeated calls for Hamas to be disarmed and excluded from postwar arrangements.
Despite growing international support, full UN membership for Palestine requires Security Council approval, where the United States can exercise its veto power.
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U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed he will block any Israeli annexation of the West Bank but has not pressed Israel to halt its military campaign.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on Monday.
