President Donald Trump on Friday sharply rejected the wave of Western recognitions of a Palestinian state, using the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York to warn allies that the move rewarded Hamas. The remarks deepened a rift with European governments.

France, Britain, Canada and other governments recognised Palestinian statehood earlier in the session. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the president, framing the recognitions as symbolic gestures that undercut ceasefire negotiations over Gaza.

Arab and Muslim-majority delegations, led by Saudi Arabia, pressed from the General Assembly podium for concrete steps toward a two-state settlement and expanded humanitarian access. Their statements contrasted with the US position and highlighted Washington's growing isolation on the issue among traditional partners.

The clash carries weight for Trump's broader Middle East strategy, including his push to expand the Abraham Accords. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who addressed the Assembly during the week, aligned with the US stance and condemned the recognitions as capitulation to terrorism.

The US State Department said Washington would continue to oppose "unilateral steps" that it argued prejudged negotiations. French officials defended recognition as a means of preserving the viability of a two-state solution.