Trump belittles Starmer as his ‘reward for Hamas will not end the war’ | World | News
Donald Trump has criticised the UK’s recognition of Palestine, arguing that it “will not do anything to free hostages or end the war in Gaza“. It is, instead, a “reward for Hamas”, the US President said.
Speaking about Mr Trump’s reaction to the move, White House 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.” On Sunday (September 21), Sir Keir Starmer announced that Britain now recognises the State of Palestine, describing the move as a step to “revive the hope of peace” and end the “horror” in Gaza. The UK and has since been joined by France, Belgium, Canada, Australia and Portugal, though some are yet to be formalised.
Mr Trump’s criticism comes as he prepares to address the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday in a “major speech” about the “renewal of American strength around the world” under his leadership.
Sir Keir said the recognition of Palestine was not a concession to Hamas, which he labelled a “brutal terror organisation” that must have “no future [and] no role in government”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the move by the UK and other nations a “huge reward for terrorism,” declaring “, It will not happen”.
In New York, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed France’s recognition of Palestine on Monday (September 23). However, Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni said last month that recognising the State of Palestine before it is established could be counterproductive. Among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council – China, France, Russia, the UK and the US – only America now objects to Palestinian statehood.
Out of the 200 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, there are still 48 in the group’s custody. Hamas has released a new image of an Israeli captive held at gunpoint, with a message reading: “Soon … Time is running out”, in Arabic, English and Hebrew. Israel has accused Hamas of using the hostages for their propaganda needs.
Around 20 Israeli hostages are believed to still be alive, some thought to be used as human shields in Gaza City, which has been the focus of Israel‘s latest military operations. Hamas has released videos showing hostages being paraded around Gaza begging for their lives.
Israel‘s military operations in Gaza have escalated in recent weeks, after Mr Netanyahu declared his plans for a full-scale takeover, a move that sparked strong criticism from other world leaders. Sir Keir called the move “wrong,” saying it would “only bring more bloodshed,” while Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Israel “not to go down this path”, saying it would “only worsen the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza”.
