Trump rejects recognition of Palestinian state

NEW YORK, — U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday sharply criticized recent decisions by several Western nations to recognize a “Palestinian state”, warning that such moves only embolden Hamas Islamist group and undermine efforts to end the conflict in Gaza.

Speaking before the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Trump said international powers should prioritize the release of hostages still held in Gaza instead of granting recognition to Palestinians.

Nearly two years have passed since Hamas launched its assault on Israel that sparked the ongoing war, leaving dozens of people in captivity.

“Some members of this body are seeking to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state,” Trump said. “This would be a reward for Hamas terrorists, for their atrocities. That is unacceptable.”

The president called for the immediate release of all surviving hostages as well as the return of the remains of those who died in captivity. “We must stop the war in Gaza immediately,” he added. “Peace requires one message: release the hostages now.”

The remarks came after France, Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal announced recognition of a Palestinian state within the last 48 hours.

Officials in those capitals said the decisions were intended to revive hopes for a two-state solution, a plan that envisions both Israel and Palestine existing side by side. The actions followed frustration over Israel’s prolonged campaign in Gaza.

Israel’s government reacted angrily to the recognition moves, saying it will not accept Palestinian statehood as long as Hamas controls Gaza.

The United States has maintained its long-standing opposition to unilateral recognition.

The two-state approach was once the cornerstone of U.S.-led diplomacy, dating back to the 1993 Oslo Accords. Today, however, the prospect is widely seen as stalled if not abandoned.

Israeli leaders have declared there will be no Palestinian state while the military continues operations against Hamas Islamist militants, which carried out its October 7, 2023, deadly assault that left around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, including children, dead in Israel, according to official tallies.

Authorities in Gaza say more than 65,000 people have been killed during Israel’s military campaign, while Israel says most of the killed are Hamas militants.

Israel launched a new ground offensive this week, pushing deeper into Gaza City in an attempt to destroy Hamas and force the release of hostages.

A report issued Tuesday by a United Nations commission said the Israeli government has sought to cement long-term control over Gaza and strengthen a Jewish majority in the West Bank.

Investigators accused Israeli forces of carrying out systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure, extending their control to nearly three-quarters of Gaza by July.

Israel’s diplomatic mission in Geneva dismissed the findings, calling the commission’s conclusions biased and unsubstantiated.

(With files from Reuters | Agencies)