U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer danced around questions regarding his decision to recognize a Palestinian state later this month during a joint press conference with President Donald Trump in Chequers, the prime minister’s country house.
“We absolutely agree on the need for peace and a road map because the situation in Gaza is intolerable,” Starmer told reporters on Thursday. “The hostages have been held for a very, very long time, and they must be freed. And we need aid to get into Gaza at speed.”
Starmer also said he and Trump spoke about the battle between Israel and Hamas for more than an hour before speaking to reporters.
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Starmer said the recognition of a Palestinian state is a move that “hopefully takes us from the appalling situation we’re in now to the outcome of a safe and secure Israel, which we do not have, and a viable Palestinian state.”
In July, Starmer announced that his nation will recognize a sovereign Palestinian state in September if Israel does not work toward a ceasefire in its battle against Hamas and a two-state solution. France will also recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly.
Trump voiced his disagreement with Starmer’s decision to recognize Palestinian statehood during the press conference.
“I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score,” he said. “One of our few disagreements, actually.”
Trump also signaled that one of his chief priorities is the return of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas from Israel.
“Well, simply, I want the hostages released now, right now,” Trump began before referencing Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, surprise attack on Israel.
“We have to remember October 7, one of the worst, most violent days in the history of the world, not just there in the history of the world,” Trump continued. “But we want it to end. We have to have the hostages back immediately. That’s what the people of Israel want. They want them back. And we want the fighting to stop.”
Starmer also disavowed Hamas’s violence when asked whether Palestinian statehood could embolden the terrorist group.
“Well, let me be really clear about Hamas. They’re a terrorist organization who can have no part in any future governance in Palestine,” Starmer said.
As Starmer spoke, it appeared that Trump laughed at his remarks.
“And what happened on October the seventh was the worst attack since the Holocaust. We have extended family in Israel. I understand firsthand the psychological impact that that had across Israel, so I know exactly where I stand in relation to Hamas,” Starmer continued.
Starmer then said Hamas is against a two-state solution, peace, or a ceasefire deal.
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“On the question of recognition, I made my position clear at the end of July as to the timing, which has got nothing to do with this state visit,” Starmer said. “And I’ve discussed it with the president, as you would expect amongst two leaders who respect each other and like each other and want to bring about a better solution in the best way that we can.”
Trump ended his three-day visit to the United Kingdom on Thursday and will head back to the United States to attend the funeral of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sunday.