U.S. Congressman Randy Fine says Palestinians do not exist

U.S. Representative Randy Fine, a Republican from Pennsylvania’s 8th congressional district, stated in an interview on the television program “The Next Generation” that “there is no such thing as Palestinian.” Fine, who has served in Congress since 2019, is known for his hard‑line positions on immigration and national security. During the segment, he argued that the term “Palestinian” is a political construct rather than a distinct ethnic group, a claim that drew immediate scrutiny from political analysts and international relations experts.

The statement came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and a broader debate over the status of Palestinian identity in U.S. foreign policy. Critics noted that Fine’s remarks contradict the widely accepted definition of Palestinian as a nationality recognized by the United Nations and the international community. Several lawmakers and advocacy groups called for a clarification, while Fine’s campaign spokesperson said the comments reflected his personal perspective on the geopolitical complexities of the region.

Fine’s remarks have sparked a wave of responses across the political spectrum, with some urging a more nuanced discussion of Palestinian identity and others defending his right to free speech. The incident underscores the ongoing domestic debate over how the United States frames its stance on Middle Eastern affairs and the recognition of peoples within that context.