Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
State Department calls UN two-state conference ill-timed, says it could reward Hamas
Loading...
Summary
The State Department criticized a United Nations-hosted conference on a two-state solution in New York, calling it a publicity stunt that could bolster Hamas and undermine diplomatic efforts; reporters pressed the department about Palestinian statehood and recognition moves by European and U.K. leaders.
The State Department described a U.N.-hosted conference on a two-state solution in New York as “a publicity stunt” that is ill-timed and risks strengthening Hamas, saying the United States will not participate.
At the briefing, spokesperson Tammy said, “this effort is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7 and a reward for terrorism,” and warned the event could “embolden Hamas, and reward its obstruction and undermine real world efforts to achieve real peace.” She said the U.S. will continue “serious diplomacy, not stage managed conferences designed to manufacture the appearance of relevance.”
Why this matters: Several reporters asked how the department envisions a future for Palestinians and whether moves by some European leaders to recognize Palestinian statehood would affect U.S. diplomacy. The spokesperson responded that the United States has prioritized ending the killing and securing hostages before broader post‑conflict planning, and reiterated that Hamas’s actions have made near‑term statehood discussions premature.
Key details - The briefing characterized the U.N. conference as counterproductive to immediate efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage releases. - Reporters noted that as many as 193 nations attend U.N. events and asked how the State Department responds to other countries’ positions; the spokesperson said the United States would continue persuasion and diplomacy rather than endorse the conference. - When asked about statements by the United Kingdom and France that could tie recognition of Palestinian statehood to conditions on Israel, the spokesperson said the president did not object to leaders speaking their positions but emphasized that U.S. policy seeks persuasion and diplomatic engagement rather than symbolic acts that could affect immediate conflict dynamics.
Discussion vs. decisions - Discussion: The department framed recognizing or advancing Palestinian statehood as a longer-term outcome that cannot be meaningfully pursued until violence stops and hostages are released. - Direction: The department said it will continue diplomatic engagement to “persuade” other governments of the U.S. position and to press for a ceasefire and hostage releases. - Formal action: The State Department announced no new formal policy changes or legal actions at the briefing.
Ending note: The department reiterated that U.S. diplomacy now prioritizes ending the conflict and expanding verified humanitarian access before taking steps on long-term political arrangements.
