The United States has strongly criticized nations that recently recognized Palestine, warning that such decisions could worsen tensions in the Middle East. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the recognition of a Palestinian state would "create big problems" at a time when Israel is advancing plans to annex the occupied West Bank.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Rubio explained that Washington had already cautioned its partners about the consequences of early recognition. He argued that ignoring these warnings has contributed to renewed instability in the region, particularly between Israel and Palestinian groups.

Rubio said, "We predicted this would happen. We warned everybody it would happen. Nonetheless, some of these countries chose to move forward with something illusory." His comments reflect a long-standing US position that recognition of Palestine should come only after a negotiated peace deal with Israel.

The Secretary of State specifically pointed to France and several other European nations, accusing them of making symbolic moves that encouraged Hamas to harden its position in peace talks. According to him, recognition of Palestine has "pushed Hamas to walk away from negotiations and raise its demands."

Israel's government is currently advancing controversial steps to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, sparking global debate and criticism. While Israeli leaders defend the move as necessary for security, Palestinians see it as an attempt to block their path to statehood.

The US stance underlines its close alliance with Israel and its opposition to unilateral recognition of Palestine. Washington insists that only direct negotiations can achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.

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