By Sardar Khan Niazi

In recent months, several European countries, including Norway, Ireland, and Spain, have taken the historic step of recognizing the State of Palestine. Predictably, these announcements have sparked strong reactions, particularly from Israel and its allies, who claim such moves reward Hamas and undermine peace. However, such arguments distort both history and reality. Recognizing Palestine is not a reward–it is a long-overdue affirmation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. State recognition is not a gesture of support for any particular political faction. Just as the recognition of Israel in 1948 was not an endorsement of any single Israeli political party or military group, acknowledging Palestine today does not legitimize Hamas or its actions. Rather, it acknowledges the legitimate national aspirations of a people who have lived under occupation, displacement, and statelessness for over 75 years. Palestine’s claim to statehood is grounded in international law, history, and a global consensus that predates the rise of Hamas by decades. The 1988 Palestinian Declaration of Independence–accepted by over 130 UN member states–was issued by the Palestine Liberation Organization, which is internationally recognized as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Hamas, founded in 1987, has never held that position globally, nor does it represent the broader Palestinian political spectrum. What is truly disingenuous is the attempt to conflate all of Palestine with Hamas, as if a political or militant faction defines an entire nation. No one suggested that recognition of Israel be withdrawn during the rise of far-right extremist groups in its government. No one claims that supporting Ukrainian sovereignty is tantamount to endorsing far-right militias active on its soil. Why, then, is Palestine held to a different standard? In fact, it is the continued denial of Palestinian rights–and the refusal to acknowledge their statehood–that strengthens groups like Hamas. When peaceful political avenues are blocked, and when international diplomacy repeatedly fails the people under occupation, the space for extremism expands. Recognition, then, is not the problem–it is part of the solution. European states that have recognized Palestine argue, correctly, that a two-state solution cannot exist if only one state is recognized. A viable, lasting peace can only come through mutual recognition and negotiation between equals. However, when one party–in this case, Israel–enjoys full sovereignty, global diplomatic support, and unquestioned legitimacy, while the other is relegated to the status of a humanitarian cause or a security problem, there is no meaningful parity. Recognition of Palestine helps restore that balance. Moreover, this is not just a matter of diplomacy–it is a matter of moral urgency. The situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic proportions. The death toll is staggering, and entire communities have been razed. The international community has a responsibility to uphold the principles of justice and human rights, not just through aid, but through political action. Recognition is a powerful symbolic and legal step in that direction. Critics say this could embolden terrorists. However, the real danger lies in continued silence and inaction. A generation of Palestinians is growing up under siege, stateless and disillusioned. What message does the world send when it refuses to acknowledge their right to a state, while simultaneously demanding that they abandon resistance? Recognizing Palestine does not resolve the conflict overnight. However, it does affirm that Palestinians are a people with legitimate rights, not merely subjects of humanitarian concern. It shifts the conversation from one of charity to one of sovereignty. It opens the door to diplomacy based on equality rather than occupation. The world cannot wait for perfect conditions to recognize obvious truths. Recognizing Palestine is not a reward to Hamas–it is a long-overdue step toward a just peace.