Donald Trump has criticised Britain’s recognition of Palestine, saying it ‘will not do anything to free hostages or end the war in Gaza’ and is a ‘reward for Hamas.’ 

Speaking about the US president’s reaction to the move, his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said: ‘He feels this does not do anything to release the hostages, which is the primary goal right now in Gaza, does nothing to end this conflict and bring this war to a close. 

‘Frankly he believes it’s a reward to Hamas. So he believes these decisions are just more talk and not enough action from some of our friends and allies.’

The criticism comes as Trump prepares to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York today. It follows his state visit to the UK last week, where he praised his British counterpart Keir Starmer. 

On Sunday, Starmer announced that Britain now recognises Palestine, describing the shift as a step to ‘revive the hope of peace’ and end the ‘horror’ in Gaza. 

He emphasised that the recognition was not a concession to Hamas, which he labelled a ‘brutal terror organisation’ that must have ‘no future [and] no role in government.’

Britain has been joined by France, Belgium, Canada, Australia, and Portugal in recognising Palestine, marking a significant shift in Western policy. 

Israeli prime minister Netanyahu called the recognition a ‘huge reward for terrorism’ and declared: ‘It will not happen.’ 

In London, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned Israel not to retaliate by expanding settlements in the West Bank.

Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, sanctioned by Britain, said: ‘The days when the UK and other countries determined our future are over. 

Donald Trump and Keir Starmer last week, during the US president’s state visit. Trump has criticised Britain’s recognition of Palestine, saying it ‘will not do anything to free hostages or end the war in Gaza’ and is a ‘reward for Hamas’

‘The British mandate [over Palestine] has ended.’ National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir echoed this stance, while senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi hailed the move as a win for ‘the justice of our cause.’  

Jubilant Palestinians on Monday raised the flag at a new embassy in London following Starmer’s statement. 

In New York, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed France’s recognition of Palestine at the opening of a world summit on Monday. 

He said: ‘We must do everything within our power to preserve the very possibility of a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.

‘France recognises the state of Palestine.’ His words were met with applause from delegates.

The announcements coincide with escalating tensions over hostages in Gaza. 

Hamas released a new image of an Israeli captive at gunpoint, with a message reading ‘Soon … Time is running out’ in Arabic, English, and Hebrew. 

Acts like these have previously been condemned by Israel, who accuse Hamas of using the hostages for their propaganda needs. 

Out of the 200 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, there are still forty-eight in the group’s custody. 

Palestinians run for cover during an Israeli airstrike earlier this month. In recent weeks, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have escalated after Netanyahu declared his plans for a full-scale takeover

Around 20 of them are believed to still be alive, some thought to be used as human shields in Gaza City, which has been the focus of Israel’s latest military operations.

Hamas has released videos showing hostages being paraded around Gaza begging for their lives. 

Relatives of people held by Hamas said recognising a Palestinian state is a ‘betrayal of humanity and a move that rewards Hamas while 48 hostages remain in captivity’. 

Yesterday, it was reported that IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir told families of the captives that he is pushing for a hostage-ceasefire deal. 

However, no official agreements have been reached, and the hostages’ fate remains uncertain.

In recent weeks, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have escalated after Netanyahu declared his plans for a full-scale takeover. 

The Israeli Defence Forces have expanded their ground offensive into northern and southeastern Gaza City, including areas such as Sheikh Radwan, Jala Street, and Tel Al-Hawa. 

These operations have resulted in the closure of two major hospitals, Al-Rantissi Children’s Hospital and the Eye Hospital, due to extensive damage and nearby bombings, according to Gaza’s health ministry. 

People in Gaza inspecting the site of a demolished building after an Israeli strike. The Israeli Defence Forces have expanded their ground offensive into northern and southeastern Gaza City

The UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry has concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide, citing mass civilian deaths, destruction of infrastructure and famine.

The commission’s head, Navi Pillay said: ‘The responsibility for these atrocity crimes lies with Israeli authorities at the highest echelons who have orchestrated a genocidal campaign for almost two years now with the specific intent to destroy the Palestinian group in Gaza.’

Israel, meanwhile, has firmly rejected international allegations regarding its military operations in Gaza, including accusations of genocide, targeting civilian infrastructure, and causing famine.