President Donald Trump used his address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday to sharply criticize recent decisions by several countries to formally recognize Palestinian statehood, warning that such moves risk emboldening Hamas amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
“As if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state,” Trump told world leaders. “The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities. This would be a reward for these horrible atrocities, including October 7.”
The president insisted he remains committed to efforts to broker a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, describing himself as “deeply engaged” in negotiations. “This could have been solved so long ago,” he said. “But instead of giving into Hamas ransom demands, those who want peace should be united with one message: release the hostages now.”
Trump’s remarks place him at odds with several key allies. On Monday, France co-chaired a conference on Palestinian statehood alongside Saudi Arabia. French President Emmanuel Macron declared his government’s formal recognition of Palestine, calling it “the only solution that will bring peace to Israel” while affirming “the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.” Macron also demanded an immediate halt to the bombardment of Gaza and the release of hostages.
The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal announced similar recognition on Sunday. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the move was intended “to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution,” framing it as a pledge that Israelis and Palestinians “can have a better future.”
Trump, echoing Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has long rejected recognition of Palestinian statehood. During his recent state visit to London, he acknowledged a rare policy difference with Starmer. “I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score,” Trump said at a joint press conference. “One of our few disagreements, actually.”
Reiterating his stance at the UN, Trump invoked the memory of October 7, when Hamas militants launched attacks inside Israel. “I want the hostages released now, right now, not one or two,” he said, adding that he had spoken with survivors who described the “lack of humanity” they endured while in captivity.
Ahead of the speech, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the address as “one of his biggest foreign policy speeches yet,” promising it would showcase “what American strength looks like” and put “globalists on notice.”
Following his UN appearance, Trump is scheduled to meet with Muslim and Arab leaders for further talks on the conflict. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with UN Secretary General António Guterres, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Argentina’s leadership, and representatives from the European Union.
