Trump Responds to UK’s Palestinian State Proposal
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump addressed Europe’s recent suggestion regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, stating that the U.S. isn’t aligned with those advocating for a two-state solution that pressures Israel.
British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer announced that if Israel does not achieve peace in Gaza by September, the U.K. would formally recognize the Palestinian state. Trump later met with reporters, mentioning that while he was aware of this stance, there hadn’t been any discussion about it during their meetings, and he didn’t have a personal opinion on the matter.
“We never discussed it. We haven’t seen it. We’re going to get a lot of money for [the Gaza Strip] to help with food,” Trump remarked. He also added that he believes the European Union will contribute too.
Trump informed Air Force reporters that he never discussed Palestinian issues in his prior meetings and clarified he doesn’t support putting pressure on Israel, arguing it would benefit Hamas.
A reporter questioned whether pressuring Israel would actually lead to a long-term solution. Trump responded, “You can claim to reward people, reward Hamas if you do that, and I don’t think they should be rewarded. So, um, I’m not at that camp, to be honest. We’ll let you know where we are, but I’m not at that camp.”
The U.K. plans to present its position at the UN General Assembly this September, as Starmer indicated. He stated that the U.K. would reconsider its stance if Israel takes “substantial steps” to address the situation in Gaza and commits to long-term peace, including a ceasefire and no annexation in the West Bank.
As tensions in the Middle East persist, Trump contradicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that there is “no hunger” in Gaza, saying, “Based on television… those kids look very hungry. But we’re giving lots of money and lots of food, and other countries are stepping up.”
