The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress expresses deep concern regarding the decision of several countries to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state during Israel’s ongoing military campaign against the terrorist organization Hamas, which continues to hold 48 Israeli citizens hostage.

We regret this decision and believe that any unilateral action in such a long-standing and complex conflict only aggravates the situation rather than leads to its resolution. Moreover, this step sends a dangerous signal to global terrorism: one can kill, rape, and take hostages — and still expect political dividends at the negotiating table.

World leaders claim that they are supporting moderate forces among Palestinians, and that their decision is actually directed against Hamas. However, terrorists of this organization perceive this decision merely as an interim victory and encouragement of their criminal activities.

We must also remind that Hamas’s official ideology does not envision any peaceful resolution to the conflict and calls for the complete destruction of the State of Israel.

We urge European and world leaders to direct their diplomatic efforts toward initiating and supporting dialogue, rather than making hasty unilateral high-profile decisions that offer no real solution to the problem.

EAJC President Dr. Michael Mirilashvili noted:

“This decision will neither bring relief to any Palestinian, nor accelerate the release of a single hostage, nor bring us closer to a just and lasting settlement of the conflict. On the contrary, it will only strengthen the forces of darkness and push genuine peace further away. Today is a sad day for those who sincerely strive for peace and security for all peoples of the region.”