Starmer denies Palestine recognition move timed to avoid Trump visit

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer calls Hamas a “terror organization that can have no part in any future governance in Palestine,” during a press conference with US President Donald Trump, earning a smile and pat on his back from the American leader.

The comment comes in response to a question about whether recognizing Palestine may be seen as a reward to Hamas.

Starmer goes on to recognize the psychological impact Hamas’s October 7 attack had on Israelis, but notes that the terror group opposes the UK peace plan of which recognition is a part, as it envisions a two-state solution.

He also rejects a report yesterday that he is waiting to recognize Palestine until after Trump leaves the country later today, asserting that the timing of his announcement “has got nothing to do with the state visit” and that the two leaders share mutual respect for each other and like each other.