Trump criticizes Britain's Palestine recognition as 'reward for Hamas' amid Gaza crisis

Donald Trump criticized Britain's recognition of Palestine, saying it will not do anything to free hostages or end the war in Gaza and calling it a reward for Hamas. Speaking about the U.S. president's reaction to the move, his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said: "He feels this does not do anything to release the hostages, which is the primary goal right now in Gaza, does nothing to end this conflict and bring this war to a close. Frankly he believes it's a reward to Hamas. So he believes these decisions are just more talk and not enough action from some of our friends and allies." The comments come as Trump prepared to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York today, following his state visit to the United Kingdom last week, where he praised Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

On Sunday, Starmer announced that Britain now recognises Palestine, describing the move as a step to revive the hope of peace and end the horror in Gaza. He emphasised that the recognition was not a concession to Hamas, which he labelled a brutal terror organisation that must have no future and no role in government. Britain has been joined by France, Belgium, Canada, Australia, and Portugal in recognizing Palestine, marking a significant shift in Western policy. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the recognition a huge reward for terrorism and declared, It will not happen. In London, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned Israel not to retaliate by expanding settlements in the West Bank. Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who is sanctioned by Britain, said: The days when the UK and other countries determined our future are over. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir echoed this stance, while senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi hailed the move as a win for the justice of our cause. Jubilant Palestinians on Monday raised the flag at a new embassy in London following Starmer's statement.

In New York, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed France's recognition of Palestine at the opening of a world summit on Monday. He said: We must do everything within our power to preserve the very possibility of a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. France recognises the state of Palestine. His words were met with applause from delegates. The announcements coincide with escalating tensions over hostages in Gaza. Hamas released a new image of an Israeli captive at gunpoint, with a message reading Soon … Time is running out in Arabic, English, and Hebrew. Acts like these have previously been condemned by Israel, which accuses Hamas of using the hostages for propaganda.

Out of the 200 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, there are still 48 in the group's custody. Palestinians run for cover during an Israeli airstrike earlier this month. In recent weeks, Israel's military operations in Gaza have escalated after Netanyahu declared his plans for a full-scale takeover. The Israeli Defence Forces have expanded their ground offensive into northern and southeastern Gaza City, including areas such as Sheikh Radwan, Jala Street, and Tel Al-Hawa. These operations have resulted in the closure of two major hospitals, Al-Rantissi Children’s Hospital and the Eye Hospital, due to extensive damage and nearby bombings, according to Gaza's health ministry. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry has concluded that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide, citing mass civilian deaths, destruction of infrastructure and famine. The commission's head, Navi Pillay, said: The responsibility for these atrocity crimes lies with Israeli authorities at the highest echelons who have orchestrated a genocidal campaign for almost two years now with the specific intent to destroy the Palestinian group in Gaza. Israel, meanwhile, has firmly rejected international allegations regarding its military operations in Gaza, including accusations of genocide, targeting civilian infrastructure, and causing famine.

These developments unfold as diplomatic alignments shift ahead of further international diplomacy on the Gaza crisis, with leaders from various countries weighing calls for hostage-release deals, ceasefires, and a path toward lasting peace."