Fox’s Peter Doocy Grills UK Prime Minister on Recognizing Palestine: Isn’t that ‘Rewarding Hamas?’
Fox News’ Peter Doocy pressed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday on his decision to recognize Palestine as a state and why exactly he’s waiting until after a visit from President Donald Trump to do so.
Trump and Starmer held a joint press conference on Thursday during a state visit, where Doocy brought up the prime minister’s plans to recognize a Palestinian state as Israel’s war against Hamas rages on. Doocy asked whether Starmer was “rewarding” Hamas with his decision.
“If you feel so strongly about recognizing Palestinian for statehood, why are you waiting for President Trump to leave the country? Why can’t you just do it right now? And isn’t there a risk in rewarding Hamas with that?” Doocy asked.
“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 a pleased Trump approvingly slapped his back.
The prime minister explained that his decision does not reflect positively on Hamas, which remains a dangerous terrorist group.
“What happened on October 7 was the worst attack since the Holocaust. We have extended family in Israel, I understand firsthand the psychological impact that had across Israel. So I know exactly where I stand in relation to Hamas. Hamas, of course, don’t want two-state solution, they don’t want peace. They don’t want a ceasefire. I’m very clear where I stand on Hamas,” Starmer said.
He also denied that the timing has anything to do with Trump’s visit. The prime minister will officially recognize Palestine once Trump’s visit has concluded.
“On the question of recognition, I made my position clear at the end of July as to timing which has got nothing to do with this state visit,” Starmer said. “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 we can.”
Watch above via Fox News.
