The White House has scolded Sir Keir Starmer's decision to recognise a Palestinian state, labelling it a "reward" for Hamas.
Sir Keir has insisted the recognition will help put an end to the "horror" taking place in Gaza and "keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution".
The Prime Minister slapped down suggestions the move was a reward for the “brutal terror organisation”, adding that Hamas must not have any official capacity in a future Palestinian state.
But last night, the White House said Mr Trump had been "very clear" with his disapproval of the Government's decision, adding it will not do anything to help the Israeli hostages being held in Gaza.
The White House has scolded Sir Keir Starmer's decision to recognise a Palestinian state
|DOWNING STREET
During his State Visit, the President gave a diplomatic answer when pressured on Palestine at Chequers, the Prime Minister's grace-and-favour country residence.
Trump simply said he had a "disagreement" with Sir Keir on the concept of Palestinian statehood.
But White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has now said: “He feels this does not do anything to release the hostages, which is the primary goal right now in Gaza, does nothing to end this conflict and bring this war to a close.
“Frankly he believes it’s a reward to Hamas.
"So he believes these decisions are just more talk and not enough action from some of our friends and allies.”
The White House said Mr Trump had been 'very clear' with his disapproval of the Government's decision
| PAAustralia, Canada, France, Portugal and Belgium joined Britain in recognising a Palestinian state ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Mr Trump is scheduled to address member states at the meeting on Tuesday.
The US President previously backed calls for a two-state solution to bring peace to the region during his first term in the White House.
But after Hamas carried out the October 7 attacks on Israel, Mr Trump said "the situation has changed."
Ahead of the UK Government's recognition of a Palestinian state, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned the move "emboldened Hamas", before adding that "it undermines future prospects of peace in the region".
WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST - READ MORE:
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned the move 'emboldened Hamas'
|GETTY
Also after Sir Keir's announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lambasted the decision as "endangering our existence and constitutes an absurd reward for terrorism".
A separate Israeli official told Sky News that a "full or partial annexation of the West Bank" was now on the table "in response".
Just days after the Government's decision, footage emerged from Gaza showing Hamas executing three Palestinians accused of "collaborating" with Israel.
The video was published on Telegram accounts affiliated with the terror group - and featured shocking images of Hamas soldiers leading three people in blindfolds to a public square.
Onlookers were heard shouting "Allahu Akbar" as crowds gathered to watch the killings.
One Hamas member was heard saying: “Pursuant to the content of Palestinian revolutionary law and based on the Palestinian revolutionary court, a death sentence was decided against those who betrayed the homeland, betrayed their people and betrayed their cause, and put [themselves] hand-in-hand with the occupation in order to kill their own people.”
After being shot in their heads, a note was seen being laid on their bodies, which read: “Your betrayal will not pass without punishment.
"A harsh punishment awaits.”
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