In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump said world powers should instead focus on securing the release of hostages held in Gaza, nearly two years after Hamas captured them in the deadly attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war.
France, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal have recognized a Palestinian state in the past two days. Their moves stemmed from frustration with Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip and were intended to promote a two-state solution, but they have angered Israel and its close ally, the United States.
“As if to further fuel the conflict, some members of this body are attempting to unilaterally recognize the Palestinian state. The reward for Hamas terrorists would be too great for their atrocities,” Trump said in his speech to the UN. “That would be a reward for these terrible atrocities.”
“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,” he said.
