Trump Addresses UN Amid Global Divisions Over Palestinian Statehood

President Donald Trump is set to deliver his first address of his second term at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, amid increasing international support for Palestinian statehood.

France and Saudi Arabia are hosting an international peace conference in New York, advocating for a two-state solution. France, along with countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, have recently recognized Palestinian statehood, bringing the total number of countries acknowledging Palestine to over 150.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly opposed these recognitions, stating, "I have a clear message to those leaders who recognize a Palestinian state after the terrible massacre on October 7th, 2023: You are giving a huge reward to terrorism." He further asserted, "A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River."

The United States, aligning with Israel, has opposed the recognition of Palestinian statehood. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on reports that Israel is considering annexing parts of the West Bank, saying, "We warned them that we thought that was counterproductive. We actually think it's undermined negotiations, because it emboldened Hamas, and we think it undermines future prospects of peace in the region."

In response to the U.S. denying visas to the Palestinian delegation, including President Mahmoud Abbas, the UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to allow Abbas to address the gathering virtually. The motion passed with a vote of 145-5, with the U.S. and Israel voting against it.

President Trump is also expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on the sidelines of the UNGA, as well as with other foreign leaders, including Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa, to discuss regional conflicts and security issues.

The UN General Assembly session is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, with world leaders seeking diplomatic solutions to these crises.