Trump: Palestinian state recognition ‘encourages’ conflict, gives in to Hamas ‘ransom demands’; those who want peace should demand hostages’ release

US President Donald Trump tells the UN that the current wave of recognitions of Palestinian statehood represents a submission to Hamas “ransom demands,” rewards Hamas, and encourages conflict.

Trump says he’s been “deeply engaged” in seeking a ceasefire in Gaza.

“Unfortunately, Hamas has repeatedly rejected reasonable offers to make peace,” he claims, before reiterating that “We can’t forget October 7, can we?”

He then blasts the Western countries that have chosen to recognize a Palestinian state in recent days: “Now, as if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state.”

“The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities. This would be a reward for these horrible atrocities, including October 7, even while they refuse to release the hostages or accept a ceasefire,” Trump says. “This could have been solved so long ago.”

“Instead of giving in to Hamas’s ransom demands, those who want peace should be united with one message: Release the hostages now,” he says, to applause in the chamber.

“We have to stop the war in Gaza immediately,” he says. “We immediately have to negotiate peace. We gotta get the hostages back,” he says, reiterating that he wants them all back at once, the living and the dead, and not in drips.

Trump says there are 20 living hostages left and again incorrectly states that there are 38 bodies still being held, when the number is 28, according to Israeli figures.