US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer did not discuss the UK’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state, despite growing international attention on the issue.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after his meeting with Starmer in Scotland, Trump clarified, “We never did discuss it,” referring to Britain’s proposed recognition of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September.
The UK prime minister had earlier announced that Britain was prepared to formally recognise a Palestinian state in response to mounting public outrage over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly the disturbing images of starving children. Starmer said the recognition would be conditional, based on whether Israel takes significant steps to improve conditions for Palestinians and commits to a two-state solution.
Trump, however, expressed firm opposition to the move, warning that recognising Palestinian statehood at this point would effectively reward Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza.
“You’re rewarding Hamas if you do that. I don’t think they should be rewarded,” Trump said.
While distancing himself from Britain’s diplomatic approach, Trump reiterated that the US had provided funding for humanitarian aid in Gaza. He emphasised the need for oversight, stating: “I want to make sure the money is spent wisely and is spent judiciously, and that food is distributed in a proper manner.”
The differing positions between Washington and London highlight a potential split in Western strategies toward the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly as pressure builds ahead of the UN General Assembly.
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