Blinken Value Ends Conflict And Saves More Urgent Hostages From Palestinian State Recognition

JAKARTA - Former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken argues that the more Western countries plan to recognize the Palestinian State as the right thing, but are more urgent to save hostages and end the conflict.

"With the ongoing Gaza crisis, the focus on this recognition does not seem to pay any attention to the more pressing reality. In the midst of the suffering of Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages - as well as Israel's plans announced to occupy the entire or part of the enclave - prevent hunger, repatriate hostages, and end the conflict in Gaza is a priority. Talks about the two countries could be postponed," he wrote in an opinion in the Wall Street Journal, quoted from The Times of Israel August 12.

"Recognizing unconditional Palestine will not produce Palestinian countries or end suffering in Gaza. Failure to require Palestinians to commit to measures to ensure Israel's security in exchange for recognition will strengthen terror supporters on the Palestinian side and Palestinian state opponents on the part of Israel," Blinken explained.

French President Emmanuel Macron has recently announced his country's plans to recognize the Palestinian State at the UN General Assembly in September. This made it the first G7 (Group 7) country to announce this, as reported by ABC.

Following that, Britain and Canada also plan to recognize the Palestinian State. Later, a number of countries also expressed the same intention, including members of the European Union such as Portugal to Malta. A total of 147 of the 193 UN member countries have now recognized or immediately recognized the Palestinian State.

Most recently, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday announced Australia would recognize the Palestinian State, also in September.

Quoted from CNN, a number of European countries and the Caribbean last year had already recognized the Palestinian State, including Spain, Norway, Slovenia, Ireland to Tokyo and Tobago, after only Mexico announced the recognition of the Palestinian State in 2023.

"There are better ways to go forward. France, Britain, Canada and Australia must adopt, and the US must embrace, a time-bound and condition-based path to recognize the Palestinian state. The starting and end point is a must, as no one will accept an endless process. Palestine needs a clear and close horizon for political self-determination, "explained Blinken.

"Recognition must also be condition-based. Although Palestine has the right to self-determination, it is also accompanied by responsibility. No one can expect Israel to accept a Palestinian State led by Hamas or other terrorists, militarized or has independent armed militias, allied with Iran or any other party who rejects Israel's right to life, who educates and spreads hatred towards Jews or Israel, or who, if not reformed, become a failed country," he continued.

"Taking care of these conditions over the next three years - a reasonable time frame - can indicate to Israel and the world that independent Palestine will focus on state development, not Israeli destruction," he added.