Macron goads Trump for Nobel Peace Prize hopes with 3-word demand | World | News

Emmanuel Macron has hit back at US President Donald Trump over claims that his recognition of the state of Palestine is a reward for Hamas. The French leader hit out at Trump’s criticism, needling him to end the war in Gaza if he hopes to achieve his dream of winning a Nobel Peace Prize.

He urged Trump to “stop this war” if he is to be handed the prestigious award. Speaking during an interview with French channel BFMTV, Macron denied that state recognition was a “reward”, arguing instead that it was a measure taken to pressure Israel into peace negotiations. He said: “I see a US president who is active, who wants peace… who wants the Nobel Peace Prize. But the Nobel Peace Prize is possible only if you stop this war. We must put pressure on the Government of Israel so that they… stop this war and obtain the release of the 48 hostages.

“It’s possible, nothing is pre-ordained.”

Macron used his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to recognise the state of Palestine, telling world leaders: “True to the historic commitment of my country to the Middle East, to peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, this is why I declare that today, France recognises the state of Palestine.”

The move is strongly opposed by Israel and the United States, with the Trump administration opposed to growing recognition of a Palestinian state, an issue it blames for the derailment of ceasefire talks with Hamas.

The meeting and expanded recognition of Palestinian statehood are expected to have little if any actual impact on the ground, where Israel is waging another major offensive in the Gaza Strip and expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Hours later, the US president had used his speech to claim that he had “ended seven un-endable wars” as he sought to bolster his hopes of winning a Nobel Peace Prize.

When asked later about Macron’s comments on his pursuit of the prize, Trump said that his focus was on endling wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

Despite the disagreement the two leaders were seen in a friendly exchange in the wings of the meeting.

Referencing disagreements over U.S. tariffs on EU goods, Trump said: “I hear France is doing well, and you’re doing well… apart from the occasional problem of wine.

“Emmanuel has actually helped with a couple of wars, settling seven wars.”