Donald Trump rejected on Tuesday the announcement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the recognition of the State of Palestine if Israel does not meet certain conditions, such as a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, stating that this could be seen as a “reward” to the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).
The response from the President of the United States is similar to the statement made this afternoon by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, which said that Starmer’s declaration “constitutes a reward for Hamas and undermines efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of hostages.”
Yesterday Trump met with Starmer in Scotland, and they even traveled together on Air Force One. He had already dismissed any attempt by the United Kingdom to recognize Palestine, although he did distance himself from Israel by stating that there was famine in Gaza.
What did Trump say about the announcement from the United Kingdom?
“If they do that, they will really be rewarding Hamas,” emphasized the Republican president in statements to the press aboard Air Force One.
Trump also stated that the possibility of recognizing the State of Palestine “was never discussed” in the meeting they recently held in Scotland.
What did the United Kingdom say about Palestine?
Keir Starmer warned Israel that he will recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September if it does not meet three conditions: “put an end to the terrible situation” humanitarian in Gaza, “agree to a ceasefire” and “commit to a sustainable long-term peace” under the two-state solution.
Days before, the French President, Emmanuel Macron, announced that France will recognize Palestine as a state in September at the UN General Assembly, “faithful to its historical commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”