US Republicans Warn Allies Against Recognising Palestinian State to Prevent Hamas Empowerment

In 2025, the leaders of Australia, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom moved to formally recognize Palestine as a state, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. Republican lawmakers. Congressional Republicans, including House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, Senator Rick Scott, and allies of President Donald Trump, warned that this recognition is a "reckless policy" that undermines peace efforts and rewards terrorism, particularly empowering Hamas amid ongoing conflict and hostage situations. The letter, addressed to these countries' leaders, emphasized that unilateral recognition bypasses direct negotiations with Israel and removes incentives for Palestinian groups to renounce terrorism or acknowledge Israel's right to exist. The Republicans highlighted the recent humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the October 7 Hamas attack that resulted in mass casualties and kidnappings, including foreign nationals from the recognizing countries. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese plan to proceed with recognition during the UN General Assembly, despite the warnings. The U.S. lawmakers urged reconsideration of the decision, stressing concerns over increased antisemitic activity and the threat to Israel’s security.