President Trump denounces Britain, Canada, Australia, France, and others for recognizing a Palestinian state, warning it empowers Hamas while hostages remain in Gaza.
U.S. President Donald Trump sharply condemned the wave of Western nations recognizing a so-called Palestinian state, declaring that such moves are reckless, counterproductive, and amount to rewarding terrorism.
“As for all of these Western nations that are recognizing a Palestinian state, the President has been very clear. He disagrees with this decision,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday.
Standing alongside U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer last week, Trump warned that recognition does nothing to advance the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, nor to end Hamas’ war against Israel. “Frankly, he believes it’s a reward to Hamas,” Leavitt emphasized.
The press secretary blasted U.S. allies for indulging in “more talk and not enough action,” adding that Trump would address the issue at the United Nations General Assembly this week.
Leavitt also announced that Trump will host a high-level multilateral summit on Tuesday in New York with leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan. At the meeting, Trump will unveil Washington’s plan for post-war Gaza management, aimed at ensuring Hamas’ defeat, restoring stability, and safeguarding Israel’s security.
The comments come amid a blitz of recognitions: Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal formally recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday, followed by France, Malta, and others signaling they would do so at the UNGA.
Israel has denounced such unilateral recognitions as dangerous and premature, warning they embolden Hamas, undermine peace efforts, and ignore the plight of the 48 hostages still in Gaza—about 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Trump’s rejection underscores a stark divide: while European capitals rush toward symbolism, Washington under Trump insists that real peace will only come through defeating Hamas and negotiating genuine security guarantees for Israel.
