President Donald Trump has sharply criticized France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada for recognizing a Palestinian state, accusing these nations of rewarding Hamas and encouraging further conflict. His remarks came one day after French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country’s recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly.
Trump warned that such recognition undermines efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, pointing to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the expansion of settlements and violence by settlers. He argued that the recognition of a Palestinian state would be a reward for Hamas, including for the Oct. 7 attacks, and that it could embolden the group to continue its actions.
The U.S. remains firmly on the side of Israel, and Trump reiterated that the recognition moves risk undermining the peace process. He emphasized the need for a unified message to secure the release of hostages, stating, ‘those parents came to me and they want them back… as though they were alive.’
Macron, in his remarks, stated, ‘The time has come to no longer talk about the existence of Israel — it’s self-evident. The time has come to do justice to the Palestinians, to recognize the state of Palestine.’ He argued that such recognition is necessary to save lives.
Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon, however, warned that there will be ‘consequences’ for nations that recognize a Palestinian state. Trump is expected to hold a closed-door meeting with Arab leaders on Tuesday, where he will present the U.S. outlook for peace and post-war governance in Gaza.