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Donald Trump patted the UK PM on the back in front of reporters at the joint press conference.
US President Donald Trump pats Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the back during a joint press conference following their meeting at Chequers, in Aylesbury, central England. (IMAGE: AFP)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s comments on Hamas and Palestine’s future earned him US President Donald Trump’s adulation before reporters at their joint press conference in London on Thursday.
Donald Trump patted (visibly and audibly) Keir Starmer on the back following the latter’s comments on Hamas and the future of Palestine and the question of Palestinian statehood.
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The video of the incident was shared by several news agencies. In the now viral video, Starmer says Hamas is a terrorist organisation and cannot play any role in the governance of a Palestinian state.
Responding to the statement, former US President Donald Trump said, “That’s good” and proceeded to pat him, as per a video shared by news agency Bloomberg. Starmer also added that Hamas has no interest in a ceasefire or lasting peace, when a reporter asked him a question regarding Palestinian statehood.
“What happened on October the 7th was the worst attack since the Holocaust. We have extended family in Israel,” Starmer added.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump remain opposed to the idea of recognising a Palestinian state.
Trump said: “I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score, one of our few disagreements, actually.”
Starmer said he and Trump agreed on the ultimate aim of peace in the region.
“We absolutely agree on the need for peace and a road map, because the situation in Gaza is intolerable,” he said.
When pressed about reports he was waiting for Trump to leave the country before formally recognising a Palestinian state this weekend, Starmer said:
“I made my position clear at the end of July as to the timing, which has got nothing to do with this state visit.”
He met with Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas Monday in London, as the UK government edges towards recognising a Palestinian state.
Several countries including Britain and France have announced they intend to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations later this month.
Starmer’s government said it will take the step if Israel fails to agree to a ceasefire in the devastating Gaza war.
About the Author
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev…Read More
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev… Read More
London, United Kingdom (UK)
September 19, 2025, 12:09 IST
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