Trump at UNGA Calls for Gaza War to End, Criticizes Palestinian Statehood Recognition
New York – US President Donald Trump used his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to call for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, while strongly rejecting recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by several Western countries, which he described as a “reward for Hamas.”
Speaking to world leaders on Tuesday, Trump said he has been “deeply engaged” in efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages. “We have to stop the war in Gaza immediately. We have to get it done. We have to negotiate peace. We have to get the hostages back,” he told delegates, stressing that all 20 captives still believed to be alive must be returned.
Trump Rejects Palestinian Statehood Recognition
Trump condemned moves by some Western nations to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state, arguing it would embolden Hamas. “As if to encourage continued conflict, some in this body seek to reward Hamas terrorists for their atrocities,” he said.
His remarks contrasted with those of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who earlier reaffirmed that Palestinian statehood is “a right, not a reward.”
Criticism of Hamas, Limited Pressure on Israel
While Trump urged an end to the conflict, he avoided harsh criticism of Israel, which launched its Gaza offensive in October 2023 following Hamas’s attacks in southern Israel. Instead, he accused Hamas of repeatedly rejecting ceasefire deals, saying the group was the main obstacle to peace.
Meanwhile, Hamas denied responsibility for failed negotiations, insisting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had blocked agreements by refusing a full military withdrawal. Hamas said it remained ready to agree to a truce involving prisoner swaps and the release of captives.
Israel has continued its ground operations, with recent offensives in Gaza City displacing thousands. More than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, according to UN estimates, which have described Israel’s actions as amounting to genocide.
Regional Diplomacy on Gaza
On the sidelines of the UNGA, Trump met with leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the UAE. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described the talks as “very fruitful” and said a joint declaration would follow.
Trump’s Remarks on Iran
Trump also turned his attention to Iran, labelling it the “world’s number one sponsor of terror.” He boasted of “Operation Midnight Hammer,” a US bombing campaign that he claimed had destroyed Iran’s key nuclear facilities. However, US defence assessments later suggested the strike had only delayed Tehran’s programme by several months.
He vowed that Iran would “never possess a nuclear weapon.”
Claims of Foreign Policy Success
Trump used his UNGA speech to highlight what he described as his record of ending wars, saying his administration had “stopped seven conflicts” and even suggested his achievements warranted the Nobel Peace Prize. “Everyone says I should get a Nobel Peace Prize, but I don’t care about awards, I care about saving lives,” he said.
He also criticised the UN for not living up to its potential, remarking, “I had to end wars instead of the United Nations.”
Russia, Europe, and China
On Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Trump said the war “would never have started if I was president,” describing his relationship with Vladimir Putin as “a good one.” He attacked European nations for buying Russian oil and gas despite sanctions and urged the EU to impose tariffs on Moscow. He also singled out China and India as “primary funders” of Russia’s war effort.
Attacks on Immigration and Climate Policy
Trump devoted part of his speech to criticising immigration policies in the US and Europe. He accused the UN of helping migrants enter the US, claiming it provided “food, shelter, transportation and debit cards” to undocumented arrivals.
Turning to climate change, Trump called renewable energy “the greatest con job,” warning that high costs and immigration policies were “destroying large parts of the free world.”
What’s Next
Later in the day, Trump is scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General Guterres, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, EU leaders, and several Middle Eastern and Asian heads of state. He will also host a reception for more than 100 world leaders before returning to Washington, DC.