WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he will not allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank.
“It’s not going to happen,” Trump told reporters ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s UN speech. He also said a Gaza peace deal was “pretty close.”
Israel faces growing global pressure as more Western countries, including the UK, France, and Australia, recognize a Palestinian state. The UN and Arab nations have also warned against annexation.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking to the UN by video, backed a French-led peace plan and said Hamas would not be part of a future Palestinian government.
Meanwhile, the Gaza war continues with heavy civilian losses. Health officials say over 65,000 Palestinians, including 18,000 children, have been killed since October 2023. UN agencies warn of famine conditions.
Trump’s remarks mark rare U.S. opposition to Israel’s annexation push while hinting at possible peace talks on Gaza.