Below is the English translation of a recent op-ed by Sarah Knafo, Member of the European Parliament and magistrate, published in Le Figaro.
Born to a Jewish family from Morocco, Knafo brings legal and political expertise to France’s debate over recognizing a Palestinian state - and raises serious concerns about legitimizing Hamas.
📝 Original article in French:
Le Figaro – "On ne récompense pas le djihad par un siège à l’ONU"
⬇️ Full English translation below:
Sarah Knafo: "We Do Not Reward Jihad with a Seat at the UN"
Sarah Knafo, Member of the European Parliament (Reconquête), opposes Emmanuel Macron’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine. According to her, this choice is tantamount to making peace with a movement, Hamas, whose sole objective is the destruction of Israel.
Is recognizing a Palestinian state today the solution?
Let us put aside for a moment the sad symbolism, that less than two years after the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, it is being granted recognition as a state by a major country like ours. Let us examine the consequences of this choice.
A state is a territory, a political authority, and an army. Today, on which territory would this Palestinian state be located? With what army, under what command, and under what political authority?
Let us face reality: the population of Gaza elected Hamas. In 2024, according to the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, 60% of Palestinians still supported this jihadist organization, despite the destruction, despite October 7, and despite the war. This is not to permanently equate an entire people with a terrorist group, as one day the Palestinian population will hopefully free itself from its oppressors. But at the moment, Hamas is deeply rooted in a large part of the social body. And if you still doubt, look at Hamas’ immediate congratulations to Emmanuel Macron: they know in advance they will be the first beneficiaries. Then ask yourself why neighboring Arab countries refuse to host Gaza refugees. Egypt was categorical: no opening of its border. With more than half of Gaza’s population supporting Hamas, Egypt, already struggling with the threat of the Muslim Brotherhood, has no interest in destabilizing its national balance. Meanwhile, in France, judges force us to grant asylum to every Gaza resident.
“One does not found a state on the blood of innocents.”
- Sarah Knafo
So what is the problem with granting today a state that will almost certainly fall into Hamas’ hands? The problem is that Hamas does not dream of schools, infrastructure, or prosperity for its people. A Palestinian state will not solve any humanitarian problems. No, Hamas dreams of wiping out Israel. This is written black on white in its charter. Article 7: “Hamas aspires to fulfill Allah’s promise, no matter how long it takes.” The Prophet said: “The Hour of Judgment will not come until Muslims fight the Jews and kill them, to the point where the Jew will hide behind stones and trees, and the stones and trees will say: ‘Oh Muslim, servant of Allah, here is a Jew behind me, come kill him.’” Article 8 states Hamas’ slogan: “The Quran is its Constitution, Jihad is its path, and death for Allah is its noblest wish.”
We are far from the constitution of a modern state concerned with its people! What basis for negotiation can be built on that? What peace plan can hold up against such a desire for annihilation? Can Emmanuel Macron ignore all this?
In the long run, we can only dream of a two-state solution, where peace is established and each can focus on the welfare of its population and its own development. Who would wish for eternal war with their neighbors? But there are times when ideal solutions on paper are impractical in real life.
Emmanuel Macron is thus simply kneeling before a diplomatic illusion. He likely does so out of calculation, cynicism, or narcissism. Whatever his reasons, one does not make peace with a movement whose goal is your disappearance. One does not found a state on the blood of innocents. And one does not reward jihad with a seat at the UN.
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