Stefanik, Scott Urge U.S. Allies France, Canada, U.K., Australia to Reject U.N. Plan to Unilaterally Recognize Palestinian State

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) sent a letter to U.S. allies France, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia urging them to reverse course at the United Nations General Assembly by rejecting unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, which would empower Hamas, endanger Israel's security, and eliminate a path to a negotiated peace.

"We are writing with respect to your efforts to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. This is a reckless policy that undermines prospects for peace," wrote Chairwoman Stefanik and Senator Scott. "It sets the dangerous precedent that violence, not diplomacy, is the most expedient means for terrorist groups like Hamas to achieve their political aims."

"Unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state undermines the principles of direct negotiation and imperils Israel's security," added Chairwoman Stefanik. "This absurd action would reward the behavior of Hamas terrorists and does nothing to secure the release of the 48 hostages still held by Hamas."

House Speaker Mike Johnson said, "International leaders will convene at the UN General Assembly in New York, and we will be watching if close allies like France and Canada and the UK move ahead with plans to recognize a Palestinian state. It is baffling and deeply troubling to reward Hamas with statehood before they have returned every hostage. What message does that send to would-be terrorists and tyrants around the world? We cannot do that. President Trump and Republicans in Congress have been clear that rewarding the carnage that took place on October 7 is a non-starter."

"Unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state undermines the foundations of peaceful diplomacy. Encouraging statehood for actors that employ violence as a political tool perpetuates terror, instability, and hate. A successful state requires a real commitment to coexistence and building up one's society," said Alexandria Paolozzi, FDD Action's Director of Government Relations.

READ the letter HERE

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Permalink: https://stefanik.house.gov/2025/9/stefanik-scott-urge-u-s-allies-france-canada-u-k-australia-to-reject-u-n-plan-to-unilaterally-recognize-palestinian-state