President Trump made it clear the U.S. will not follow Britain’s lead in recognizing a Palestinian state, rejecting pressure to push Israel toward concessions he says would “reward Hamas.
Aboard Air Force One, U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday bluntly rejected suggestions that his administration might align with Britain’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state by September, declaring that the United States has “no view” on the matter.
His remarks came just hours after newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a diplomatic ultimatum to Israel — promising recognition of a Palestinian state unless the humanitarian situation in Gaza improves and a ceasefire is secured.
“We never did discuss it. We have no view on that,” Trump told reporters, according to Politico.
“We are going to get a lot of money to the area so they get some food.”
The President pushed back on international calls for the U.S. to pressure Israel into a long-term political deal, warning such moves could “reward Hamas” and undermine American and Israeli security interests.
“You could make the case that you’re rewarding people — that you’re rewarding Hamas — if you do that,” Trump said.
“I don’t think they should be rewarded. I’m not in that camp, to be honest.”
Instead, Trump highlighted U.S.-led humanitarian relief efforts, noting that Washington has committed $60 million to establish Israeli-operated food distribution centers in Gaza. These centers, he said, will be operational “very soon”. The European Union will also contribute to the initiative, aimed at alleviating worsening hunger in Gaza without strengthening Hamas’s grip.
Trump’s firm stance underscores a widening gap between the Biden administration’s critics, the new British government, and his own Middle East strategy — one that prioritizes humanitarian aid without conceding political ground to Palestinian factions allied with Hamas.
