The Daily – The Question of Palestinian Statehood

Date: October 3, 2025
Host: Rachel Abrams
Contributors: Jess Chung (producer/reporter), Mark Landler (correspondent), Riyadh Mansour (Palestinian Ambassador to the UN)
Episode Theme:
Exploring the recent wave of global recognition for Palestinian statehood, what led to this pivotal UN moment, and what it truly means—politically, diplomatically, and for those on the ground—given ongoing opposition from Israel and the United States.

Episode Overview

The episode examines a surge in international recognition of Palestinian statehood, especially by Western countries traditionally allied with Israel. Against the backdrop of worsening violence in Gaza, this symbolic step at the United Nations intensifies Israel’s international isolation. However, the episode also dissects why, in practical terms, Palestinian statehood remains elusive, especially as the U.S.—under President Trump—and Israel continue to oppose such moves and launch a new “peace plan” with restrictive conditions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Historic UN Moment (01:51–04:03)

• Jess Chung reports from New York as Western countries like the U.K., France, Australia, and Canada—longtime Israeli allies—announce support for Palestinian statehood at the UN.
• More than 140 countries already recognize Palestine, but these new recognitions are politically significant.
• Riyadh Mansour, Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, reflects on his lifelong pursuit of statehood.

“We are marching in the direction of peace and justice.” —Riyadh Mansour (03:38)

Context for Mansour:

• Grew up as a Palestinian refugee, received UN food and aid (04:41–05:18)
• Early activism inspired by U.S. civil rights movements and Yasser Arafat’s 1974 UN speech (06:02–07:07)

2. Symbolism Versus Substance (07:20–14:13)

• Mansour recounts the cycles of hope and disappointment in the peace process, referencing the Oslo Accords and the setbacks following October 7, 2023—the Hamas attack on Israel and ensuing devastation in Gaza.
• International images of Palestinian suffering have catalyzed sympathy and increased pressure on Israel.
• Recognitions by key Western governments are cast as a potential turning point, likened by Mansour to global actions against South African apartheid (12:26).

“The international community, enough is enough... This time, we’re going to stop this war and allow the two state solution to become a reality. This is the moment.” —Riyadh Mansour (09:35)

The Criticism:

• Israel and U.S. officials claim the move rewards Hamas for violence.
• Mansour calls this rationale “nonsensical,” pointing to Western countries' intentions for peace (13:24):

“Nobody would believe that France, U.K., Canada, Australia are rewarding Hamas. That doesn’t make sense. All of them, they were doing it as an investment in peace and harmony.” —Riyadh Mansour (13:24)

3. Israel and U.S. Response: Political Realities (15:34–22:34)

Rachel Abrams brings in Mark Landler to analyze implications and the backlash.

Netanyahu’s Position (16:09–18:36)

• At the UN, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu condemns the wave of recognition:

“You know what message the leaders who recognize a Palestinian state this week sent to the Palestinians? It’s a very clear message. Murdering Jews pays off.” —Benjamin Netanyahu (16:58)

• Asserts the West is rewarding terrorism and maintains Israel’s military campaign should be the priority.

U.S. Backing and the Trump Plan (18:36–22:34)

• The Trump administration unequivocally supports Israel; Trump echoes Netanyahu’s stance.
• The U.S. veto at the UN Security Council virtually blocks substantive actions toward statehood.

“As long as Trump continues to support Netanyahu... [it gives] the latitude and the license to be as aggressive as he needs to be.” —Mark Landler (19:37)

• Trump and Netanyahu unveil a “peace plan”:
  • Hostage release demanded
  • Total Hamas disarmament
  • Israeli security presence maintained
  • Only vague future for statehood, heavily conditioned and unspecified (22:02–22:34)

International Reaction:

• European and Arab countries support Trump’s involvement, valuing U.S. engagement over the specific contents of the plan, showing the critical role the U.S. still plays.

“The mere fact that they saw President Trump...heavily engaged and visibly engaged for them, was a huge positive...what’s vital is for Trump to be involved.” —Mark Landler (23:07)

• Netanyahu, in Hebrew, reassures Israeli audiences statehood will “never” happen (24:11).

4. Prospects for a Palestinian State (24:11–28:03)

• Netanyahu accused of double-speak: nodding to statehood for American approval, but opposing it in action.
• On the ground, Gaza remains devastated and politically fractured; the West Bank carved up by settlements; the Palestinian Authority weakened (26:43).

“From the point of view of a viable and functioning state, I think the Palestinians are further away from that than they’ve been for a very long time.” —Mark Landler (27:32)

• Despite diplomatic wins, the reality of sovereign statehood remains distant.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Generational Hopes:
  “Like the key for our house in Palestine from the town where we were expelled was hanging inside the house. So that’s a symbol of returning to.” —Riyadh Mansour (05:18)

• On Global Sympathy Turning:
  “Now the international community, enough is enough...This time, we’re going to stop this war and allow the two state solution to become a reality. This is the moment.” —Riyadh Mansour (09:35)

• On the U.S. Role:
  “The U.S. has always been viewed as the central player in the question of a peace settlement...without U.S. joining in, it still has its limits.” —Mark Landler (19:50)

• On Netanyahu’s Tactics:
  “You’re right to say that Netanyahu was talking out of both sides of his mouth. And...he’s been doing that for many years on this topic.” —Mark Landler (24:50)

Key Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|---------------| | Introduction & State of War | 00:26–01:51 | | UN Moment—Recognitions Begin | 01:51–04:13 | | Mansour’s History | 04:13–06:22 | | Nakba/Refugee Past, Personal Motives | 04:34–07:11 | | Cycles of Hope & October 7th | 07:20–08:53 | | Shift in Global Sympathy | 09:12–10:12 | | Global Recognition Statements | 10:12–11:22 | | Emotional Weight for Mansour | 12:06–12:15 | | Criticisms: Rewarding Hamas? | 13:07–13:53 | | Israel/U.S. Backlash; Security Council Veto | 15:34–19:50 | | The Pro-Israel Trump “Peace” Plan | 20:35–22:34 | | Netanyahu’s Dual Messaging | 24:11–24:50 | | Real Prospects for a State | 26:43–28:03 |

Tone & Style

The episode maintains The Daily’s measured, narrative-driven, and empathetic style—balancing first-hand testimony (Riyadh Mansour), expert analysis (Mark Landler), and clear explication for listeners less familiar with the conflict.

Summary

The episode illustrates the complex, often contradictory path toward Palestinian statehood. Symbolic diplomatic victories at the UN reflect growing global impatience with the status quo and Palestinian suffering, yet the practical prospects for an actual, functioning state remain slim as long as the U.S. and Israel maintain firm opposition. For diplomats like Mansour, this moment is the summit of years of struggle—but the “mountain” remains, as real peace and sovereignty prove as elusive as ever.