Risch Statement on Allies’ Recognition of a Palestinian State

BOISE - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) released the following statement in response to the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Portugal, and France recognizing a Palestinian State.

"Our allies' recognition of a purported Palestinian state is a tragedy for those it seeks to support: the Palestinian people. This recognition rewards Hamas, a terror group that thrust millions of Gazans into a terrible war, that uses Palestinian women and children as human shields, and that relies on their suffering for its political success.

"This proclamation did not require Palestinian officials to abandon any calls of violence, to release any of the 48 hostages Hamas holds, to allow free expression for those under their control, nor to recognize the right of Israel to exist. Sadly, these proclamations teach a lesson to would-be terrorists around the world: a state can be theirs too if they instigate wars, take hostages, sacrifice innocent civilians, and reject repeated attempts at peace long enough.

"A brighter path exists for the Palestinian people. It lays in a future where Hamas is eliminated, where tolerance and peace are rewarded not punished. Today's announcements bring the Palestinian people even further away from this hope."

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