Trump Calls for Immediate End to Gaza War at UNGA
US President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), urging an immediate cessation of the war in Gaza. He also criticized the recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by Western countries, describing it as a “reward” for Hamas.
Trump's Address Highlights
Trump stated, "We have to stop the war in Gaza immediately," emphasizing his active engagement in securing a ceasefire. He reiterated his demand for the release of captives held in Gaza. "We have to get it done. We have to negotiate peace. We have to get the hostages back," he asserted, referring to the remaining captives.
He condemned the recognition of Palestinian statehood, arguing it would embolden Hamas. "As if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognise the Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists, for their atrocities," he stated.
"Statehood for Palestinians is a right, not a reward." - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
Differing Perspectives on the Conflict
Sultan Barakat of Hamad Bin Khalifa University noted that while Trump called for an end to the war, he failed to specify how to achieve it, suggesting Trump's support for Israel fuels the conflict.
Trump blamed Hamas for the breakdown in ceasefire negotiations, accusing the group of rejecting reasonable peace offers. Conversely, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of stalling these negotiations since the war's onset.
Hamas's Response and Gaza Situation
Hamas denied responsibility for the failure to reach a ceasefire agreement. The group stated, "We have never been an obstacle to reaching an agreement," and accused Netanyahu of obstructing all attempts to end the war. They expressed readiness for a truce involving prisoner exchanges and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
The situation in Gaza remains dire. Over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its war following Hamas's attacks in October 2023. A UN commission described the conflict as amounting to genocide, with the US facing criticism for continuing to arm Israel.
Meetings and Discussions on the Sidelines
The US President met with leaders from Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates to discuss the war. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the meeting as "very fruitful."
Trump's Focus on Iran
Trump also dedicated part of his speech to Iran, labeling it the "world's number one sponsor of terror." He vowed that Iran would "never possess a nuclear weapon," and boasted about a supposed military operation targeting Iran's nuclear facilities. However, a US defense assessment suggested the strike only delayed Iran's nuclear progress by several months.
Other Remarks and Criticisms
Trump began his speech by complaining about a broken escalator, and later took credit for ending "seven different wars," claiming he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize. He also criticized the UN, asserting that it was not living up to its potential.
He claimed that Russia's invasion of Ukraine would never have happened if he was president. He also attacked Europe for buying Russian oil and gas, and singled out China and India as the "primary funders" of Russia's war effort.
Attacks on Immigration and the UN
Trump attacked the UN, accusing it of "funding an assault on Western countries and their borders" and aiding "illegal aliens." He also warned of an "invasion" of immigrants in Europe and criticized London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
He characterized migration and renewable energy as threats to the "free world," calling climate change "the greatest con job." He also renewed attacks on climate policies and accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of aiding drug smuggling.
| Issue | Trump's Position |
|---|---|
| Gaza War | Immediate cessation |
| Palestinian Statehood Recognition | Against, rewards Hamas |
| Iran | Labeled as sponsor of terror |
| UN | Accused of aiding illegal immigration |
