US President Donald Trump warned Russia he is prepared to impose strong economic measures over the war in Ukraine and rejected a global move toward recognition of a Palestinian state, in a combative speech to the UN General Assembly.
In his first UN address since regaining power in January, Trump spoke to dozens of world leaders, many of whom have been alarmed to see the United States turn away from traditional alliances in favor of an isolationist "America First" policy.
Trump threatened new tariffs on Russia unless US allies joined in imposing identical measures to force President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. He planned to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy later in the day.
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On the Middle East, Trump rejected recognition of a Palestinian state, echoing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He called instead for a ceasefire-for-hostages deal to return all remaining captives taken in Hamas’ 2023 attack on Israel.
Trump also urged world leaders to adopt hardline migration policies, promoted his deportation record, and criticized the UN for failing to support his peace efforts. He mixed grievances with humor, mocking UN infrastructure after an escalator mishap and a faulty teleprompter during his speech.
Since returning to office, Trump has cut foreign aid, imposed tariffs on allies and rivals, and pursued a narrower asylum framework, including requiring claims in the first country entered. UN Secretary-General António Guterres was expected to meet Trump formally later this week.
US President Donald Trump addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City, US. PHOTO: REUTERS
He also condemned moves by Western powers to recognise a Palestinian state, saying such steps would reward "horrible atrocities" by Hamas.
Trump urged world powers to focus on securing the release of hostages held in Gaza nearly two years after Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and triggered the Gaza war.
France, Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal have all recognised a Palestinian state in the past two days. Their decisions, aimed at promoting a two-state solution and pressuring Israel, have drawn sharp opposition from Israel and the United States.
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"As if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognize the Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists, for their atrocities," Trump said. He demanded the immediate release of all hostages, both living and dead, and called for an immediate end to the Gaza war.
The two-state solution, once the foundation of US-backed peace efforts, has collapsed, with Israel vowing no Palestinian state while waging war in Gaza. More than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities, while Israel presses deeper into Gaza City.
A UN commission said in a report Tuesday that Israel aims to establish permanent control over Gaza and secure a Jewish majority in the West Bank, citing widespread destruction of infrastructure and expanded buffer zones. Israel dismissed the findings.
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