U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has dismissed recent Western recognition of Palestine, saying a Palestinian state cannot exist without Israel’s agreement.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that recent moves by Western countries to recognise the State of Palestine are “irrelevant” without Israel’s consent. Speaking in a radio interview on Thursday, Rubio said, “None of these countries have the ability to create a Palestinian state.”

“There can be no Palestinian state unless Israel agrees to it,” he added, stressing that fundamental details remain unresolved. “They can’t even tell you where this Palestinian state is. They can’t tell you who will govern it. And I think number three, it’s counterproductive.”

Rubio also accused nations recognising Palestine of siding with Hamas, which he said is “still holding 20 people hostage and the bodies of more than 50 others.” He claimed that recent declarations are “rallying to Hamas’ side” and risk undermining ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

“At the end of the day, the Hamas side is the Palestinian statehood side. So you are creating this reward,” Rubio said, arguing the move gives Hamas “every reason in the world not to agree to [a] ceasefire and not to release these hostages.”

He further alleged that many of these decisions are motivated by domestic political pressure rather than actual diplomatic impact. “They’re actually hurting the cause, they’re not helping,” he said.

Proponents of Palestinian recognition argue otherwise, stating that it is a necessary step toward achieving long-term peace.

Rubio called on Western countries to shift their focus and “unite in pressuring Hamas to immediately release the 20 living hostages.”

Recognition push by Western countries
In late June, French President Emmanuel Macron said France would recognise the State of Palestine, with a formal announcement expected at the UN General Assembly in September.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Malta’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Christopher Cutajar have also declared their governments’ intention to recognise Palestine.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the United Kingdom would recognise a Palestinian state at the UN if Israel fails to meet certain conditions.

The formal recognitions are expected to be announced at the UN General Assembly in New York in September.

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