ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Updated:

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he and Donald Trump "absolutely agree" on the need for an Israeli-Palestine peace roadmap, but the US president said he disagreed with countries recognizing Palestine as a state.

"We absolutely agree on the need for peace and a road map, because the situation in Gaza is intolerable," Starmer told reporters after the two men held a bilateral meeting.

Asked about countries recognizing a Palestinian state, Trump said: "I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score, one of our few disagreements, actually."

Trump added that he wants the war to end, but that he was concerned about the hostages' fate.

"I want it to end, but I want the hostages back. I don't want the hostages used as human shields, which is what Hamas is threatening to do."

U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announce an agreement between the two countries as they hold a press conference at Chequers at the conclusion of a state visit on September 18, 2025 in Aylesbury, Britain.
U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announce an agreement between the two countries as they hold a press conference at Chequers at the conclusion of a state visit on September 18, 2025 in Aylesbury, Britain. (credit: LEON NEAL/POOL VIA REUTERS)

Trump, Starmer differ on Palestinian state recognition

“We want it to end. We have to have the hostages back immediately. That’s what the people of Israel want."

However, Starmer said that the two leaders agree on an ultimate end goal for peace in the region.

“We absolutely agree on the need for peace and a road map because the situation in Gaza is intolerable," Starmer said, adding that Hamas can have "no part" in governing a post-war Gaza.