Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump says his country has no view on the recognition of Palestine as a state.
Trump’s remarks follow recent declarations from France and the United Kingdom (UK)—both close US allies and members of NATO and the G7—in support of recognising Palestinian statehood.
Asked for his stance on the matter, Trump said he “never discussed” the issue of Palestinian statehood while with Starmer.
Both leaders met in Scotland on Monday.
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“We [the US] have no view on that,” Trump said. “We’re going to get a lot of money to the area, so they get some food,” he added, referring to alleviating the record hunger levels in Gaza.
“He [Starmer]’s going to also,” he said.
“I think the European Union is going to put up money for food. Hopefully, it’s going to be properly distributed.”
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Trump said he believes a “case could be made” that recognition of a Palestinian state is akin to “rewarding Hamas”.
“And I don’t think they should be rewarded,” he added.
During a question-and-answer session with Starmer on Monday, the US president said he would not take a position on the matter of Palestinian statehood.
Trump noted that he would not mind if Starmer did.
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“I’m looking for getting people fed right now,” he added.
The US president’s tone had a softer edge to the firm rejection from the state department towards France’s move to recognise a Palestinian state.
Around 140 countries have formally recognised a Palestinian state.
But many European nations and the US say they will only do so as part of moves towards a long-term resolution to the conflict with Israel.
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