Trump Warns UK Against Recognizing Palestinian State
WASHINGTON – President Trump expressed concerns on Tuesday regarding British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state in September, suggesting it might inadvertently favor Hamas. He emphasized that the US would not support such a move if Israel does not comply with certain conditions.
“If you do that, you can expect Hamas to feel rewarded,” Trump told reporters during his flight from Scotland to Washington. “I’m not looking to encourage that,” he added.
Earlier that day, Starmer indicated he might follow France’s example and acknowledge Palestine’s status at the UN General Assembly in September, unless Israel takes significant actions to address humanitarian issues in Gaza and commits to a long-term solution for both states.
Trump, who held discussions at his golf resort in Turnbury, Scotland on Monday, mentioned that the British Prime Minister hadn’t previously shared his plans with him.
“We never discussed it. We don’t have any opinions on it. We are going to provide substantial assistance in the region so they can secure food,” the president remarked.
Just last week, Trump maintained a lighter tone when engaging with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron and other leaders from the West have been pressuring Israel to allow increased humanitarian aid, especially amidst troubling images of starving children in Gaza.
Hamas has historically refused to release Israeli hostages as a condition for ending the conflict, and many officials argue that aid to Gaza needs to be more effective. Recent negotiations have faltered.
Over the weekend, Israel began permitting humanitarian aid flights into Gaza.
On Monday, Trump publicly questioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claims regarding no severe hunger in Gaza, asserting that the US plans to send more food supplies to Palestinians there.
“There are hungry kids,” Trump reflected as he headed back to the US on Tuesday. “You see their mothers; they love them dearly. There’s really not much they can do, and they need to get food.”
