New york: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Friday, criticized nations that have recognized a Palestinian state, asserting that these countries had failed to understand the fundamental issue that Palestinians do not desire to coexist peacefully with Israel.

According to Ghana News Agency, Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, declaring, “They don’t want a state next to Israel. They want a Palestinian state instead of Israel.” He described Gaza as an ‘effectively’ Palestinian state that has repeatedly been used to launch attacks on Israel, turning into a ‘terror base.’ Netanyahu also accused the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, of encouraging terrorism.

Netanyahu condemned recent international recognition of Palestinian statehood, labeling it as a reward for those responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israeli communities. He warned leaders of these countries that their decisions could foster terrorism against Jews and innocent people globally, describing it as a “mark of shame.”

Efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict have long centered on a ‘two-state solution,’ envisioning Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in separate nations. Currently, four of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council-France, Russia, the UK, and China-have recognized Palestinian statehood, with France and the UK making the recognition in the past week to promote peace in light of the Gaza conflict. The United States remains the only permanent member that has not recognized Palestinian statehood, although approximately 150 nations worldwide have done so.

Netanyahu compared the situation to the post-September 11, 2001, environment, arguing that the United States would never have accepted a jihadist state near New York City. “It’s insane and we won’t do it,” he declared, emphasizing that over 90% of Israelis, as reflected by a parliamentary vote, oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state.

In addressing his critics, Netanyahu asserted, “Israel will not allow you to shove a terrorist state down our throats. We will not commit national suicide because you do not have the guts to face down a hostile media and anti-Semitic mobs demanding Israel’s blood.”