Freedom Publishers Union

August 17, 2025 | [STATEMENT] Retraction of Previous Statement and Updated Position on Gaza Conflict

Freedom Publishers Union formally retracts our previous statement dated October 9, 2023, regarding the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The evolving circumstances of this conflict require us to reassess and clarify our position.

While we initially supported Israel's right to self-defense following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, we are deeply concerned that the nature of this conflict has fundamentally shifted from defensive action to what appears to be territorial occupation and expansion.

Our Current Position:

We acknowledge that Israel faced unprecedented attacks from Iranian-backed Hamas, along with threats from Hezbollah and other regional actors, and had legitimate security concerns requiring defensive measures.

However, recent publicly disclosed Israeli plans to assume control over Gaza city represent a concerning escalation that moves beyond the scope of legitimate self-defense.

Despite Israeli assurances that such occupation would not be permanent, we believe that:

• The extended occupation of Palestinian territory risks becoming entrenched and increasingly difficult to reverse
• What began as defensive action appears to be evolving into territorial acquisition
• The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with civilian populations bearing an unacceptable cost

Our Position on Palestinian Recognition:

Freedom Publishers Union does not currently recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, given that the territory remains under the control of Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, operating in conjunction with the Palestinian Authority.

Both entities maintain their stated commitment to Israel's destruction.

While we do not dismiss the possibility of Palestinian recognition entirely, such recognition must be timely and appropriate.

That time is not now, while Hamas and the Palestinian Authority exercise ultimate rule over the region and continue to advocate for wiping Israel off the map.

Additionally, Hamas is currently engaging in information warfare through daily propaganda campaigns.

The international community must become more aware of the presence and dissemination of this propaganda, as much of it has been echoed through Western media outlets and portrayed as truth, only for these same media organizations to retract their reports when it becomes clear they were amplifying Hamas propaganda.

Our Call to the International Community:

Freedom Publishers Union urges the international community to:

• 1. Distinguish between Israel's legitimate right to self-defense and territorial expansion that exceeds defensive necessity
• 2. Press for clear timelines and concrete mechanisms to prevent temporary occupation from becoming permanent settlement
• 3. Prioritize the protection of civilian populations and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need
• 4. Work toward a sustainable resolution that addresses legitimate security concerns while respecting territorial sovereignty

We remain committed to the principle that all nations have the right to defend themselves against terrorist attacks.

However, we cannot support actions that appear to constitute territorial acquisition under the guise of security operations, regardless of stated temporary intentions.

The international community must ensure that the response to terrorism does not itself become a violation of international law and territorial integrity.

This statement reflects the current official position of Freedom Publishers Union as of August 17, 2025, and supersedes all previous statements on this matter.

Written by The Editorial Board.