WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he did not discuss the United Kingdom’s proposal to recognize a Palestinian state with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during their recent meeting in Scotland.
“We never did discuss it,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, dismissing any suggestion that the issue came up during bilateral talks.
Starmer had earlier announced that the UK is prepared to recognize a Palestinian state as early as September during the United Nations General Assembly, conditional on steps by Israel to improve conditions for Palestinians. The move comes amid intensifying public outcry over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Trump criticized the proposal, saying it would “reward Hamas,” the Palestinian militant group that governs Gaza. “You’re rewarding Hamas if you do that. I don’t think they should be rewarded,” he said.
The U.S. president also stated that Washington has sent food aid to Gaza and emphasized the need for accountability. “I want to make sure the money is spent wisely and is spent judiciously, and that food is distributed in a proper manner,” he added.