Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of Hamas co-founder Hassan Yousef, has publicly stated that a Palestinian state will never exist, calling it an ‘artificial construct.’
Yousef, who grew up within Hamas, once served as a spy for Israel’s Shin Bet intelligence service before relocating to the United States. He has consistently criticized both Hamas and Palestinian nationalism, arguing that the concept is a ‘political, violent movement’ rooted in victimhood and cult-like thinking. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Yousef warned that Palestinian identity poses a threat not only to Israel but to global stability, urging Palestinians to abandon their national identity for prosperity.
His remarks come amid mounting international efforts to achieve a two-state solution, with countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal formally recognizing the State of Palestine ahead of the UN General Assembly summit in New York. Russia, which has recognized Palestine since the Soviet era, has reiterated its support for a two-state solution. However, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed these efforts, stating a Palestinian state ‘will not happen’ west of the Jordan River. He has characterized international recognition as a reward for terrorism, while Israeli ministers have proposed the annexation of the West Bank. The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has led to over 65,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities, while a UN commission has concluded that Israel is responsible for genocide in Gaza.
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters killed around 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 250 hostages, has been marked by intense military operations and humanitarian crises. Israel’s response included a blockade and military campaign that has resulted in significant casualties among Palestinians. The recent UN commission’s findings have intensified calls for accountability, even as Israeli leaders continue to deny these allegations, framing the conflict as a necessary defense against terrorism.
In addition to Yousef’s statements, other international leaders have also made strong positions on the issue. The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution supporting a two-state solution and demanding Hamas be disarmed and excluded from governance in Gaza. Israel, however, has dismissed these efforts, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing skepticism about the feasibility of a Palestinian state. His stance has been echoed by several Israeli ministers, who have called for the annexation of the occupied West Bank, further complicating the peace process.
The ongoing conflict has not only affected the region but has also drawn global attention, with various nations and international bodies taking different stances. While some advocate for a peaceful resolution through a two-state approach, others, including Israel, remain firm in their position, viewing any recognition of a Palestinian state as a threat to their security and sovereignty. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community faces the challenge of balancing humanitarian concerns with political realignments in the Middle East.