Trump Criticizes Starmer's Move to Recognize Palestinian State at Chequers Press Conference

Trump Disagrees with Starmer's Decision to Recognize Palestinian State In a joint press conference at Chequers, the official country residence of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Donald Trump expressed his disagreement with Starmer's decision to recognize the Palestinian state. The announcement is expected to be made this month unless Israel commits to peace in Gaza. Trump stated that he wants the immediate release of hostages and emphasized that the recognition of a Palestinian state would not lead to peace without Israel's commitment to it. "This is one of our few disagreements," Trump said, highlighting the rare instance of disagreement between the two leaders during their meeting. Starmer defended his decision, stating that the timing of the announcement has nothing to do with Trump's visit this week. He emphasized that Hamas cannot have a role in the future governance of Palestine due to its involvement in the October 7 attacks. "We will not recognize a Palestinian state unless there is a clear commitment from Israel to peace," Starmer said. The recognition of a Palestinian state has been a long-standing issue in international politics, with many countries supporting the idea but also emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution between Israelis and Palestinians. The decision by Starmer's government to recognize Palestine could have significant implications for the region, potentially leading to increased tensions between Israel and its neighbors. The United States has historically taken a more cautious approach to recognizing Palestinian statehood, with previous administrations expressing concerns about the potential impact on peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. Trump's disagreement with Starmer's decision reflects this cautious approach. In response to the announcement, Israeli officials expressed concern that recognition of Palestine would undermine efforts towards peace in the region. "We cannot support any move that would legitimize Hamas' actions," said an Israeli government spokesperson. The Palestinian Authority welcomed Starmer's decision, stating that it was a significant step towards recognizing their right to self-determination. "This is a historic moment for our people and we hope that other countries will follow suit," said a Palestinian official. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this development will impact peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. The United States and Britain are expected to maintain close communication on the issue in the coming days. Background: The recognition of Palestine has been a contentious issue for decades, with many countries supporting the idea but also emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution between Israelis and Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority has long sought international recognition as a sovereign state, while Israel has expressed concerns about the potential impact on peace negotiations. Additional Perspectives: A spokesperson for the United States State Department stated that the US would continue to work towards a two-state solution but emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution between Israelis and Palestinians. "We will not take any action that undermines efforts towards peace in the region," said the spokesperson. The European Union has also expressed support for Palestinian statehood, with many member states recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state. However, the EU has also emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution between Israelis and Palestinians. Current Status: The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing to express their positions on the issue. The United States and Britain are expected to maintain close communication on the issue in the coming days. *Reporting by Npr.*