Trump Calls for Ending Gaza War: Recognizing Palestine is a "Reward" for "Horrors"

SadaNews - President Donald Trump said today (Tuesday) in his speech before the United Nations General Assembly that the recognition by some of Washington's allies of the State of Palestine constitutes a "reward" for Hamas for its "horrific atrocities."

Trump stated, "This is a reward for horrific atrocities, including the (attack) of October 7, even after their (Hamas') refusal to release hostages or agree to a ceasefire."

The American president claimed that he ended "7 wars around the world in 7 months," adding that "we must end the war in Gaza and negotiate peace and the immediate return of hostages."

During his speech, Trump pointed out that Iran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.

He added, "My position is very simple: the world’s number one state sponsor of terrorism cannot be allowed to possess the world’s most dangerous weapon."

The American president criticized the United Nations, claiming that the organization does not contribute to building peace.

He mocked the building that serves as its headquarters in the United States, saying, "The UN has tremendous capabilities, and I have always said that, but its capabilities do not even come close to what is needed," while complaining in his speech about broken escalators in the organization’s building in New York.

Trump mentioned that "empty UN speeches do not end wars."

He praised having built valuable relationships with Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries.

In his speech on Tuesday, Trump called on European countries to "immediately stop" buying oil from Russia, accusing China and India of being the largest funders of the war being waged by Moscow in Ukraine. He said, referring to Europeans, "They must immediately stop all energy purchases from Russia. Otherwise, we are all wasting a lot of time."

Regarding immigration, Trump stated that no illegal immigrants have entered America in recent months. He remarked, "Money is flowing into America and we are currently building the best and greatest economy." He continued, "In my first term, I built the best economy in the history of the world and this time I am working to build an even better economy."

He added, "Since taking office, we have achieved investments worth $17 trillion." Trump stated that America currently has the strongest military, the strongest economy, and the strongest relationships in the world.

He accused the previous administration (former President Joe Biden's administration) of leaving America with economic disasters.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during the opening remarks of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, stated that nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people and the systematic destruction of their livelihood.

The Secretary-General mentioned that when accountability diminishes, graves increase, urging the Security Council to be more representative, transparent, and effective. Guterres stated, "Nothing justifies the Hamas attack on October 7 nor the collective punishment of the Palestinians."

He added that the only viable solution for peace in the Middle East is the "two-state solution." He pointed out that famine has been declared in Gaza despite the declaration of measures by the International Court of Justice, stating that these measures must be implemented immediately.

Guterres warned that reducing financial support for humanitarian aid causes chaos, saying, "Cutting development aid causes chaos. This is a death sentence for many and a theft of the future of many more," without naming the United States, which has significantly reduced its support for international institutions since Trump returned to the White House.

Guterres’ speech came just before President Trump delivered his address before the General Assembly.

The Secretary-General said, "In a paradox of our time: we know what we want, yet we are dismantling the very lifeline that makes it possible to get there." He pointed to the escalating crises in an increasing number of countries and warned of the risks of the proliferation of nuclear weapons. He stated, "Many crises continue unchecked while impunity reigns. Lawlessness is a contagion that leads to chaos and accelerates terrorism and the risks of (nuclear) weapons becoming accessible to all."

However, he pointed out a glimmer of hope, referencing the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand and the agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia in which "the United States played the role of mediator."

He warned that "the foundations of peace... are eroding under the weight of impunity, inequality, and indifference." He added that "sovereign countries are being invaded. Hunger is being used as a weapon. The truth is being silenced. Smoke rises from bombed cities. Anger is escalating in fractured societies, and the rising seas are swallowing coastlines." He confirmed that "around the world, we see countries behaving as if the rules do not apply to them. We see people being treated as if they are less than human."

The UN Secretary-General challenged world leaders on Tuesday to choose a future where the rule of law prevails over the use of force, and where the international community cooperates instead of competing for self-interests. Guterres stated that the founders of the UN faced the same challenges 80 years ago, as reported by the Associated Press.

In his annual speech about the "state of the world," he added, "We have entered an era of random upheaval and ongoing human suffering, and the pillars of peace and progress are threatened by impunity, inequality, and indifference."

Guterres clarified that the primary duty of leaders is to choose peace, urging all parties, including member states of the General Assembly, to cease support for parties in conflict in Sudan, without naming any country.

He did not mention Israel by name, but he strongly criticized its actions in Gaza, stating that the scale of killing and destruction is the worst during his nearly nine years in office as Secretary-General, emphasizing that "nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people."

Although Guterres has repeatedly affirmed that only the court is competent to determine whether Israel committed genocide in Gaza, he referred to the lawsuit brought by South Africa before the UN's highest court under the genocide prevention convention and stressed the importance of legally binding precautionary measures, especially protecting Palestinian civilians.

Guterres stated that since the ruling of the International Court of Justice in January 2024, killings have escalated, and famine has been declared in some areas of Gaza, pointing out that the court's decisions must be implemented "fully and without delay."