Recently, France and Saudi Arabia sponsored a conference at the UN in order to discuss the Israel-Hamas war. Ultimately, the so-called "New York Declaration" was signed off by all 22 member countries of the Arab League, the European Union and 17 other nations. "We condemn the attacks committed by Hamas against civilians on the 7th of October." Yes, that was a first. [It would have been better had they specifically condemned the attacks aimed at the Jewish people of Israel, and the worst atrocity committed against the Jewish people since the Holocaust.] Of course, they then went on to condemn what it called Israel's attacks on civilians.
Then the statement said that "...Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority." [There's a great plan - transfer the weapons from one terrorist organization to another.] The Declaration also called for a Palestinian "right of return" for those that left Israel or were expelled. That's a non-starter, as millions of Palestinians would claim that right, and end Israel as the sole Jewish state in the world.
The Declaration also called for an end to inciting and hateful material from the PA curriculum. And that Israel must do the same. [Israel does not do that. But can't just condemn one side. No showing favoritism for the democratic state of Israel over the terrorist organizations.] (Information from the Times of Israel, 7/30/25.)
Then, French P.M. Emmanuel Macron, made this announcement: "I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine." [Really? What are the borders of this new state that you will recognize? If I had to bet, I'd say he was willling to go by the so-called 1967 borders; which means he would be willing to cede the holiest sites in Judaism to the Arabs.]
Macron continued: "We need an immediate ceasefire [how nice, as Hamas refuses], the release of all hostages [Hamas refuses that as well], and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas [they refuse that too], secure and rebuild Gaza." I noticed something very interesting about Macron's statement. He has this fantasy wish-list of what he wants to happen, but he did not make France's recognition of "Palestine" contingent upon any of those things actually happening.
Not to be outdone, U.K. P.M. Keir Starmer announced this: "I can confirm that the UK will recognize the State of Palestine by the United Nations General Assembly in September, unless the Israeli government takes substantial steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, agrees to a ceasefire, permit to a long term sustainable peace, reviving the prospect of a two state solution."
Is Hamas required to do anything? Kind of. Hamas "must immediately release all the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza." [Again, how nice. Hamas refuses to do any of that. But Starmer did not see fit to make his recognition of "Palestine" on anything that Hamas must actually do, only on what Israel must do. Just like Macron.]
Canadian P.M., Mark Carney, piped in - what about us? Carney: "Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September, 2025." "This intention is predicated on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to much-needed reforms, including the commitments by Palestinian Authority President Abbas to fundamentally reform its governance, to hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian State." And, oh yes, "We reiterate that Hamas must immediately release all hostages...(and that) Hamas must disarm; and that Hamas must play no role in the future governance of Palestine."
[Predicated on a verbal commitment by Abbas? No actual deeds must first take place. And not predicated on actual actions by Hamas - to the things they say they will not do. Excellent plan.]
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