In a forceful address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump denounced recent moves by several Western nations to recognize a Palestinian state, calling the gesture a “reward” for Hamas following its October 2023 attacks on Israel.
Trump criticized what he described as unilateral recognition efforts by countries including France, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, arguing that such actions undermine peace negotiations and embolden terrorist groups. “The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities,” he told world leaders, urging nations to instead unite in demanding the release of hostages held in Gaza.
The speech came amid heightened diplomatic tensions, as the Trump administration revoked the U.S. visa of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, preventing him from attending the UN summit in person. Abbas was forced to deliver his remarks via video link, where he reiterated that Hamas would play no role in future Palestinian governance.
The visa denial drew criticism from several leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who condemned the move as politically punitive and counterproductive to dialogue.
Trump’s remarks reflect the administration’s firm stance against Palestinian statehood recognition without a negotiated settlement and its broader skepticism toward multilateral institutions. The issue has sharply divided the international community, with over 150 countries now formally recognizing Palestine as a state
