From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Knesset speaker tells parliamentarians at Geneva meet that countries that want a Palestinian state should set them up in their own capitals
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
The leaders of nations considering recognizing a Palestinian state should establish one in their own capitals, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana declares in a speech at the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva.
“Rewarding Hamas, by recognizing a Palestinian state in light of October 7, will not bring stability, coexistence and cooperation. It will bring more murder of Israelis and Jews. If you wish for that, if you wish what you call a Palestinian state, put it up in London, Paris, in your [own] countries,” he says.
“The so-called peace that some European countries advocate will only result in more war. But the war we are fighting will result in peace,” he continues, urging his international counterparts to “stand for truth over propaganda” and “stand on the right side of history – our side.”
Parliamentarians from Iran, Yemen and the Palestinian Authority leave the hall during Ohana’s speech
Ohana’s comments come after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Tuesday that the UK could recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel improves the situation in Gaza and takes steps toward peace.
France had announced the same days earlier, although without any conditions, and Starmer’s announcement prompted Malta to follow suit.
Since October 7, Norway, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have all recognized Palestine.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana at the IPU's Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva:
"Rewarding Hamas, by recognizing a Palestinian state in light of Oct 7th, will not bring stability, coexistence and cooperation. It will bring more murder of Israelis and Jews." pic.twitter.com/atGm8E0Psx
— Sam Sokol (@SamuelSokol) July 30, 2025
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