United States President Donald Trump called for an immediate end to the ongoing war in Gaza during his address to the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. Emphasizing the urgency of peace negotiations, Trump stated, “We have to stop the war in Gaza immediately. We have to immediately negotiate peace.”
At the UN, dozens of world leaders gathered to endorse a Palestinian state, a move that faces staunch opposition from Israel and its close ally, the United States.
In alignment with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump rejected Palestinian statehood, arguing that the rewards would be too great for Hamas. He reiterated the need for a ceasefire-for-hostages deal to ensure the return of all remaining hostages, alive or dead.
Turning to the war in Ukraine, Trump warned that the United States is prepared to impose strong economic measures against Russia if the conflict continues.
He called on European allies to adopt the same sanctions to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to de-escalate, emphasizing that coordinated action would end bloodshed quickly. Trump planned a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy later in the day.
The US president also criticized global migration policies, advocating for stricter enforcement similar to his administration’s approach in the United States. He argued that other countries should follow suit to prevent national destabilization, while expressing dissatisfaction with the UN’s support of his peace efforts.
Trump recounted minor grievances with UN infrastructure, including a malfunctioning escalator and teleprompter, humorously noting that First Lady Melania Trump nearly fell.
Since regaining office in January, Trump has pursued a foreign policy marked by reduced aid, tariffs on multiple countries, and cautious engagement with Russia, alongside attempts to address global conflicts.
This week, some 150 heads of state are expected to speak at the UNGA, with Trump also advocating for restrictions on the right to asylum, proposing that seekers claim protection in the first country they enter. His formal meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres is anticipated to be the first since returning to office.
