Kuwait city: US Vice President JD Vance announced that the United States currently has no plans to recognize a Palestinian state. Vance's remarks came during a meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, where discussions centered around the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Vance emphasized the shared goals between the United States and Britain in resolving the Middle East crisis, despite differing approaches. He acknowledged the divergence in strategies, stating, "We may have some disagreements about how exactly to accomplish that goal, and we'll talk about that today." The discussions between Vance and Lammy also touched upon the varying perspectives regarding the conflict in Gaza.
Vance questioned the feasibility of recognizing a Palestinian state due to the absence of a functional government in the region. He highlighted the US administration's objective of eradicating Hamas to prevent further attacks on Israeli civilians and addressing the "humanitarian crisis" in Gaza.
In response, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed concerns over Israel's potential plans to expand its control over Gaza. Lammy advocated for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, emphasizing the severe humanitarian suffering witnessed in Gaza.
The meeting also covered discussions on Ukraine and the likelihood of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the ongoing conflict. Britain's stance contrasts with that of the US, as it has joined France and Canada in declaring an intention to recognize Palestine. This move aims to exert pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning the continued conflict and humanitarian issues in Gaza.