NEW YORK — U.S. President Donald Trump says recognizing a Palestinian state amounts to rewarding Hamas for the “horrible atrocities” of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
Canada joined the United Kingdom, Australia and Portugal on Sunday in recognizing an independent Palestinian state before world leaders arrived in New York City for this week’s UN General Assembly.
Trump told the UN this morning that the “rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities” and that “those who want peace” should unite to call on Hamas to release their hostages.
Trump also criticized the international body, saying the UN is full of “empty words” and that “empty words don’t solve wars.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a TV interview this morning he is not concerned about the U.S. becoming more isolated after more than 150 countries recognized Palestinian statehood.
Rubio said countries such as the U.K. and Canada will not play a significant role in ending the conflict in Gaza.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 23, 2025.
Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press
