At a high-stakes press event, US President Donald Trump demanded Hamas release Israeli hostages “right now,” while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hinted at linking recognition of a Palestinian state to a broader “peace plan.”
US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stood side-by-side on Thursday but revealed stark differences on the explosive question of Palestinian statehood.
Starmer, under mounting pressure from the UK’s left wing, admitted that recognition of a Palestinian state was “part of an overall package” but tied it to conditions:
“The situation in Gaza is intolerable. Hostages must be freed, and aid must flow. Within the context of a broader roadmap for peace, the recognition issue will be considered.”
Trump, however, forcefully pushed back, placing the focus on Israeli hostages and Hamas terror:
“I want the hostages released now—right now, not one or two at a time. We’ve been the ones who got hostages released before. Every hostage I met told me the same thing: there was no humanity, no warmth, nothing. Absolutely brutal.”
The President reminded the world of the October 7th massacre:
“One of the worst violent days in the history of the world. We can never forget it.”
He condemned Hamas for openly using hostages as human shields, calling it “pretty brutal,” and dismissed any illusions about the terror group’s intentions.
On the Palestinian state issue, Trump made clear:
“I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that—one of our few disagreements.”
The exchange underscored a growing rift: while London toys with premature recognition of a Palestinian state, Washington under Trump keeps the focus squarely on justice for October 7th, the hostages, and Israel’s security.
