Chronicle poll results: Western allies’ recognition of a Palestinian state
We asked our readers if Western allies should recognize a Palestinian state if there is no negotiated agreement with Israel. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “Should Western allies like the United Kingdom, France and Canada recognize a Palestinian state if there is no negotiated agreement with Israel?” Of the 319 people who responded, 76% said no; 17% said yes; and 7% said they weren’t sure. Comments were submitted by 90 people. A few follow.
Rewarding terrorism is a horrific idea.
What does it mean to recognize a state without established boundaries and when they haven’t had an election in 20 years? What’s being recognized?
A viable Palestinian state cannot exist without recognition of Israel, especially if they hope to use any of Israel’s infrastructure.
Israel is never going to negotiate an agreement with Palestine. It is expanding settlements, which will bifurcate the West Bank; ignores settler violence; and is occupying all of Gaza with the expressed goal that they be sent to neighboring nations. This is a peaceful form of pressure on Israel to end a system that is unsafe, unsustainable and unethical.
I think someone needs a PhD in Middle East relations to have an opinion about this complicated subject.
Europe is rewarding terrorism and Jew hate. Their recognition is one-sided and should include the conditions of returning the hostages, stopping the teaching of Jew hate, recognizing Israel as a Jewish state and committing to peaceful coexistence.
For the folks who say “yes,” clearly we have learned nothing from the past, which is a very scary world to live in.
Centuries of hatred continue to fuel tragedies for all. Respect of life, respect of differences, acceptance of human rights is critical to peace. Must we covet control, power, the ability to determine the way of life of others? Lasting peace seems doubtful given history, but we need to seek peace for our children, families, cultures and civilization to survive. A two-state solution is not a perfect answer, it merely sets borders and governments. Yet without that solution as a beginning, those other roads of peace and coexistence will not take root.
Israel and the Palestinians need to communicate. Outside countries cannot — and should not — make decisions for them.
Recognizing a Palestinian state now merely justifies Hamas’ Oct, 7 terrorist acts and encourages future such acts.
Since Israel refuses to make an agreement and compromise with the Palestinians, some pressure has to be applied.
How many times does the state of Israel have to keep giving in? There will never be peace until Israel is recognized as a state. The most important aspect of peace is releasing the hostages. PJC
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