Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration is expressing apprehension regarding the official stamp "State of Palestine" on Palestinian passports that cross through the Rafah crossing. Reports from the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reveal that Netanyahu has instructed officials to explore the possibility of substituting this stamp with the phrase "Council of Peace," a concept introduced by former U.S. President Donald Trump. This move may reflect an ongoing Israeli strategy to limit symbols of Palestinian statehood and diminish any recognition of Palestinian sovereignty.

The concern was reportedly raised during a recent cabinet meeting led by Netanyahu, where the head of Israel's internal security service (Shin Bet), David Zini, highlighted that Palestinian passports entering through Gaza continue to bear the stamp of "State of Palestine." This situation underlines the tensions in the region, where Israel continues to exercise control over borders and movements in the Palestinian territories while attempting to present an alternative narrative about the peace process.

The context behind this development is significant, as it comes amidst a very tense and militarized situation in Gaza following the escalation of conflict that began on October 10, 2025. The Rafah crossing has seen limited operations since February 2, and the replacement of the official Palestinian stamp symbolizes a broader effort by Israel to delegitimize Palestinian national identity. The implications of this action could be profound, affecting not only diplomatic relations but also the perceptions of Palestinian legitimacy on the international stage.