Trump administration slams Western allies’ push to recognize Palestine Warns it rewards Hamas

The Trump administration has sharply criticised Western allies planning to recognise Palestinian statehood in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, intensifying its opposition after President Donald Trump initially downplayed the move.

On July 31, senior U.S. officials condemned efforts by Canada, the United Kingdom, and France to formally recognise Palestine as a state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, arguing such actions would encourage Hamas to prolong its conflict with Israel.

These countries have cited the severe starvation and deteriorating conditions in Gaza, worsened by Israel’s military operations and stringent restrictions on aid entering the region.

Despite these concerns, the Trump administration remains firmly supportive of Israel. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, “The president expressed his displeasure and disagreement with the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. He believes this rewards Hamas at a time when Hamas is the main obstacle to a ceasefire and the release of all hostages.”

Following Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement on Wednesday of his intention to recognise Palestine, Trump suggested on Thursday that such a move could complicate future trade negotiations between the two neighbours.

If enacted, Canada, the U.K., and France would join 147 other U.N. member states that recognise Palestinian statehood. The U.K. has stated its recognition would depend on Israel failing to improve conditions in Gaza.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed the recognition plans as “irrelevant” and criticised the leaders of Canada, France, and the U.K. as “clumsy” for offering concessions to Palestinian leaders before Hamas releases all the hostages seized in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

"The U.K. says if Israel doesn’t agree to a ceasefire by September, we will recognise a Palestinian state. If I were Hamas, I’d say, ‘Let’s not allow a ceasefire.’ By refusing a ceasefire, Hamas effectively guarantees recognition of a Palestinian state by these countries in September,” Rubio said during the talk show on the US radio.

Adding to its stance, the U.S. State Department announced new sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

The Trump administration’s harsh reaction to Canada’s announcement follows a more muted initial response to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s similar declaration. When asked about the U.K.’s plans on July 29, Trump said he had “no view” on the issue.

Earlier in the week, Trump acknowledged the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza but otherwise continued to side with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, even as concerns grow within both Democratic circles and Trump’s MAGA base over the famine unfolding in Gaza.

White House Press Secretary Leavitt also confirmed that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee are scheduled to visit Gaza on Friday to assess aid distribution efforts and meet local residents.

While reaffirming U.S. support for Israel, Rubio conceded that growing sympathy among Western allies for Palestinians in Gaza is damaging Israel’s global image.

“Hamas is using this to their advantage, saying, ‘We’re winning the public relations war. Countries are lining up behind us. We have leverage now, so we shouldn’t agree to anything. We should prolong the conflict,’” Rubio explained.

By Tamilla Hasanova