"As if to encourage prolonged conflict, some UN members are unilaterally recognizing a Palestinian state. This would be a tremendous reward for Hamas after the horrific acts they have committed," US President Donald Trump told the UN General Assembly in New York on 23/9.
France, the UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Monaco, and Luxembourg have recognized a Palestinian state in recent days. This move stems from discontent with Israel's war in the Gaza Strip and aims to promote a two-state solution, but it has angered Israel and its close ally, the US.
At the General Assembly, Trump argued that world powers should focus on ensuring the remaining hostages in Gaza are released.
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US President Donald Trump addresses the UN General Assembly on 23/9. Photo: AFP |
US President Donald Trump addresses the UN General Assembly on 23/9. Photo: AFP
"Instead of giving in to Hamas's demands, those who desire peace should unite with the single message: Release the hostages immediately, just release the hostages," Trump said, emphasizing that Hamas must return the surviving hostages and the bodies of those who died in captivity. "We must end the fighting in Gaza immediately to achieve that goal."
Analysts assess that the recent recognition of a Palestinian state by some countries is unlikely to change the situation on the ground, but it still significantly improves Palestine's standing in its efforts to become a truly sovereign nation.
Regarding Ukraine, Trump strongly criticized European allies, as well as China and India, for not halting oil purchases from Russia. He repeatedly mentioned the possibility of sanctioning Russia but has yet to implement them.
"In the event that Russia does not want to reach an agreement to end the fighting, the US is fully prepared to impose heavy tariffs, an action that I believe will very quickly end the bloodshed," Trump said. "But for these measures to be effective, all European countries, those present here, will have to join us in imposing similar measures."
He did not detail the measures but is considering a package including sanctions against countries doing business with Russia. Russia's main oil customers in Europe are Hungary, Slovakia, and Turkey.
The US president planned to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on 23/9.
In his 56-minute speech, the US president also said recent US attacks on boats allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela sent a stern warning.
"To all the drug traffickers entering the US, beware, we will wipe you out," Trump said.
He claimed each boat destroyed contained enough drugs to kill more than 25,000 Americans, but offered no evidence.
Huyen Le (AFP, Reuters)
