ALBAWABA- The Israeli parliament voted Thursday to oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state, labeling it an "existential threat."
The vote, which Palestinian leaders and the international community criticized, is largely symbolic but sets the stage for Netanyahu's upcoming address to the US Congress next Wednesday.
Netanyahu, who has shown little interest in US-brokered truce efforts, insists on achieving "absolute victory" over Hamas and plans to intensify military actions.
During a visit to Israeli troops in Rafah, Gaza on Thursday, he dismissed criticism from hostages' families, claiming that military pressure on Hamas is facilitating, not hindering, a potential deal.
The resolution passed by Israeli lawmakers stated that a Palestinian state on land occupied by the Israeli army would "perpetuate the Israel-Palestinian conflict and destabilize the region," asserting that promoting such a state would encourage Hamas and its supporters. The vote passed 68 to nine in the 120-member parliament.
The Palestinian Authority condemned Israel's ruling coalition for "plunging the region into an abyss," while neighboring Jordan called the vote a "serious violation of international law."
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, France, and other countries also expressed concern, noting the contradiction with multiple UN Security Council resolutions.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep disappointment, with his spokesman stating, "You can't vote away the two-state solution." Guterres has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the severe humanitarian crisis.
