“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 recognizes the State of Palestine, describing the move as a step to “revive the hope of peace” and end the “horror” in Gaza.
The UK has since been joined by France, Belgium, Canada, Australia, and Portugal in this recognition, though some formalities are still pending.
As Mr. Trump prepares to address the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday with a “major speech” about the “renewal of American strength around the world” under his leadership, his criticism comes into sharper focus.
Sir Keir clarified that the recognition of Palestine was not a concession to Hamas, which he labeled a “brutal terror organization” that must have “no future [and] no role in government”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also criticized the move by the UK and other nations, calling it a “huge reward for terrorism,” and firmly stated “, It will not happen”.
In New York, French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed France’s acknowledgment of Palestine on Monday (September 23). Nevertheless, Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni stated last month that acknowledging the State of Palestine before its establishment could prove detrimental.
Among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council – China, France, Russia, the UK and the US – only America now opposes Palestinian statehood.
Of the 200 hostages seized by Hamas on October 7, 2023, there remain 48 in the organization’s captivity.
Hamas has unveiled a fresh photograph of an Israeli captive held at gunpoint, featuring text stating: “Soon … Time is running out”, in Arabic, English and Hebrew.
Israel has charged Hamas with exploiting the hostages for their propaganda purposes.Approximately 20 Israeli hostages are thought to remain living, some believed to be utilized as human shields in Gaza City, which has been the center of Israel’s recent military campaigns.
Hamas has distributed footage depicting hostages being paraded throughout Gaza pleading for their survival.
Israel’s military campaigns in Gaza have intensified in recent weeks, following Mr Netanyahu’s announcement of his intentions for a comprehensive takeover, a decision that triggered harsh condemnation from other global leaders.
Sir Keir denounced the action as “wrong,” asserting it would “only bring more bloodshed,” while Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong implored Israel “not to go down this path”, warning it would “only worsen the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.”