by Our Diplomatic Affairs Editor
The recent moves by certain Western countries to recognise the Palestinian state have drawn sharp criticism from Israeli diplomats, who describe such actions as a setback for the West and counterproductive to peace efforts.
Eliyahu Vered Hazan, Israeli Ambassador to Singapore, expressed his concerns during an interview with the Sri Lanka Guardian. He condemned the recognition, calling it “nothing but a downfall of the West,” and questioned the readiness of Palestinian leadership to govern effectively.
“Palestinian leadership and their corrupt as well as terroristic nature repeatedly prove that they are not fit to handle a nation,” Hazan said. “It is shameful that Western countries proceed with such recognition without addressing the real issues or acknowledging these ground realities.”
Hazan pointed out that over 145 countries worldwide have already recognised Palestine, yet the terrorist mindset within organisations like Hamas remains unchanged. “Has anything changed in the terrorists’ mindset? Has the corruption within Palestinian leadership been addressed? The answer is no. Therefore, this recent move is nothing but a shame.”
Defending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent decision to seize remaining lands in the Gaza Strip, Hazan described it as the “best solution to eliminate Hamas terrorism.”
Meanwhile, Guy Nir, spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi, echoed similar sentiments. He warned that unilateral recognition of Palestine, without demands to free hostages and remove Hamas from power, undermines ongoing negotiations to end the conflict.
“The unilateral recognition of Palestine without demanding the release of hostages and the removal of Hamas from power sabotages efforts to end the war,” Nir stated.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions following the latest diplomatic moves by Western countries, which some view as attempts to bolster Palestinian sovereignty, while others see them as premature and undermining peace efforts.
