Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid has publicly rejected the notion that the recognition of the State of Palestine serves to reward Hamas. In a recent interview, he emphasized that such recognition is a legitimate acknowledgment of the Palestinian people's rights. This statement follows France's formal recognition of Palestinian statehood, joining countries like the UK, Portugal, Canada, and Australia in this diplomatic move. The backdrop to these developments includes escalating international pressure on Israel, particularly concerning the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the contentious issue of settlement expansion in the West Bank. Rashid's remarks highlight the complex dynamics of Middle Eastern politics and the varying perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.