U.S. President Donald Trump told the UN this morning that 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.
“As if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body (are) seeking to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state," Trump told world leaders gathered at the UN. "The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities."
Trump told the assembly that "those who want peace" should instead unite to call on Hamas to release the hostages.
Trump also lashed out at the international body for failing to end wars, something he said can't be done through dialogue alone.
"The UN has such tremendous potential, I've always said it. It has such tremendous, tremendous potential, but it's not even coming close to living up to that potential for the most part, at least for now," he said. "All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter and then never follow that letter up. It's empty words, and empty words don't solve war."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a TV interview Tuesday morning he is not concerned about the U.S. becoming more isolated after more than 150 countries moved to recognize Palestinian statehood.
“No, I’m not concerned at all,” Rubio told NBC Today’s Craig Melvin. “None of the countries you just mentioned really will play much of a role in bringing about the end of this conflict in Gaza.”
Ahead of the General Assembly, Rubio revoked a visa for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, forcing him to address the UN on Monday by video link.
President Emmanuel Macron announced France would also recognize Palestinian statehood during a high-profile meeting at the General Assembly on Monday. Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and Monaco added their voices to the chorus by announcing or confirming their recognition of a Palestinian state.
Prime Minister Mark Carney told world leaders during Monday's meeting the Israeli government is "working methodically to prevent the prospect of a Palestinian state from ever being established."
The assembly's theme this year is "Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights" — but Trump has pulled back America's support for the UN and other multilateral institutions.
Trump ordered a review of the United States' involvement in the United Nations, withdrew from its Human Rights Council and froze U.S. funding for the institution.
Last week, the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas. American officials said the resolution didn't go far enough in condemning Hamas.
Carney is set to co-chair an event at the UN Tuesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy focused on Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Carney is expected to then hold meetings with other leaders and CEOs.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 23, 2025.
— With files from Kyle Duggan
