That failure to accept the creation of Israel was a fundamental mistake of the Arab politicians and leaders of the time. Eighteen of the EU 27 have already recognised Palestine. In all, 147 of the 196 countries in the world have recognised the State of Palestine. On the UN Security Council, four of the five veto-holding countries have recognised Palestine. All the hostages must be released, Hamas disbanded and the Israeli army moved back into Israel with illegal settlements handed over to the newly formed Palestinian state.