US President Donald Trump on Tuesday criticized Western nations for recognizing a Palestinian state, arguing the move would reward what he called “horrible atrocities” committed by Hamas.“As if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognize the Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities,” Trump said in a speech at the UN. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump condemned the recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood, calling them a surrender to Hamas’s “ransom demands.” He argued such moves reward the militant group, fuel further conflict, and distract from what he said should be the priority, securing the release of hostages still held in Gaza nearly two years after Hamas attacked Israel. “Instead of giving in to Hamas’ ransom demands, those who want peace should be united with one message – release the hostages now, just release the hostages,” Trump said.In the past two days, France, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal have all formally recognized a Palestinian state.The Palestine Liberation Organization proclaimed an independent Palestinian state in 1988, gaining swift recognition from much of the Global South. Today, nearly 150 of the 193 UN member states acknowledge Palestinian statehood, as reported by Reuters.On Gaza, Trump said he has been “deeply engaged” in efforts to broker a hostage-ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, but accused the group of obstructing progress toward ending the war.“Unfortunately, Hamas has repeatedly rejected reasonable offers to make peace,” Trump said. “We can’t forget October 7, can we?”Trump was scheduled to meet on Tuesday with leaders and officials from several Muslim-majority nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan, to discuss the escalating crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip.Alongside efforts to secure hostage releases and end the conflict, Trump is also expected to outline US proposals for an Israeli withdrawal and post-war governance in Gaza that excludes Hamas, as cited by Axios.According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the war has left at least 65,382 Palestinians dead. Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 others during the October 7 attack. Most of those taken hostage have since been freed through ceasefires or negotiated agreements, as per AP.
