Trump Criticizes Starmer’s Recognition of Palestinian State

President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval on Tuesday regarding British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer’s announcement to recognize a Palestinian state in September, labeling it as a “reward for Hamas.”

During his return to the U.S. aboard Air Force 1 after a visit to Scotland, Trump addressed the situation while noting that he had just finalized a trade agreement aimed at fostering peace between Thailand and Cambodia.

While there seemed to be some agreement between Trump and Starmer during a press conference about Gaza on Monday, Trump suggested that their priorities diverged, indicating he was not informed about the recognition plan in advance.

Trump stated that he and Starmer did not discuss the UK’s plan unless it included steps to improve the living conditions of Palestinians. He remarked, “If that’s the case, you really will reward Hamas,” alluding to similar decisions made by France and the UK. He emphasized that he did not intend to support Hamas through such actions.

He also mentioned a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, expressing confidence in the latter’s capability to provide humanitarian support to the people in Gaza despite previous criticisms of humanitarian efforts.

Trump’s comments echoed those from Israel’s Foreign Ministry, which also emphasized that Starmer’s announcement was akin to rewarding Hamas. This discourse followed French President Emmanuel Macron’s similar announcement last week. Additionally, Starmer expressed hopes that Hamas would release hostages, disarm, and accept that they wouldn’t be part of a future Palestinian government.