According to a report by Times of Israel, on August 3, 2025, Israeli opposition leader Benny Gantz, chair of the National Unity-Blue and White party, has called on world leaders to reconsider plans to recognize a Palestinian state amid the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza.
Gantz issued his statement on X, the social media platform, demanding global condemnation of Gaza’s terror groups for their treatment of Israeli hostages held for 666 days.
In his post, Gantz urged “leaders of the world” to face reality before making diplomatic moves, writing, “Instead of rewarding terror and recognising an illusionary Palestinian state – how about you first look at reality for what it is.”
He shared a still image from a recent Hamas propaganda video showing Evyatar David, one of the hostages, digging what is feared to be his own grave — a grim symbol of the severe conditions the captives face.
Gantz’s call reflects a broader concern among Israeli leaders about rewarding groups responsible for terror and inhumane treatment of hostages.
The National Unity chair’s appeal ties the issue of Palestinian state recognition directly to the brutal treatment of captives by Hamas and other Gaza militant groups.
This follows a pattern of sharp criticism from Israeli opposition on the prolonged captivity and starvation of hostages.
Other prominent voices, including opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Avigdor Liberman, have awakened global attention by highlighting the harrowing images and accusing Hamas of exploiting the hostages as human shields.
The Israeli leadership continues to emphasize the urgent need for international pressure on Hamas to release all hostages unconditionally and to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Gantz’s suggestion that recognition of a Palestinian state should be paused until the hostage issue is resolved marks a significant diplomatic stance pointing to the high stakes of ongoing Middle East tensions.
Love Reading Authentic News Stories, Click The Button Below
