Pavel: Palestinian statehood must come through talks with all parties involved

Palestinian statehood must be the result of negotiations among all parties, including Israel, and only after basic conditions are met, Czech President Petr Pavel said before departing for the UN General Assembly in the United States. Otherwise, he warned, it risks being just a political declaration that raises expectations and complicates future talks.

His remarks come as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce Britain’s recognition of Palestine as a state.

According to Pavel, Czechia’s approach focuses on delivering humanitarian aid, pressuring Hamas to release all hostages, and urging Israel to end its military operations. He stressed that halting the fighting must come first, and this requires the safe return of all hostages.