US condemns UN Palestinian statehood vote as ‘gift to Hamas’ terror group

The Trump administration condemned the Saudi and French-led push for Palestinian statehood at the United Nations on Friday, after the General Assembly approved the “New York Declaration” by a vote of 142 in favor, with the U.S. and nine others voting against, and 12 abstentions. 

U.S. United Nations Counselor Morgan Ortagus condemned the vote. “Make no mistake — this resolution is a gift to Hamas,” she told members of the General Assembly.

“The United States will not participate in this insult to the victims of October 7, but we will continue to lead real-world efforts to end the fighting and to deliver a permanent peace,” adding, “Today’s resolution is yet another counterproductive gesture that only rewards Hamas, drags out the war and undercuts the very diplomatic efforts to free the hostages and end the suffering in Gaza.”

TRUMP REJECTS MACRON MOVE AS US SKIPS UN SUMMIT ON PALESTINIAN STATE

A White House official told Fox News Digital after the vote, “As the President stated, he would be rewarding Hamas and would be hindering efforts to bring home the hostages if he recognizes a Palestinian state, and he doesn’t think they should be rewarded. So he is not going to do that.”

Proposed during a United Nations conference in July, the declaration is meant to chart what its sponsors describe as an “irreversible” path toward Palestinian statehood. It condemns Hamas for the October 7 attacks, demands the release of hostages and calls for Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority.

In Paris, the French Foreign Ministry hailed the outcome, calling it a “historic vote” that demonstrated the determination of the international community to advance an “ambitious roadmap for peace and security for all in the region.” 

RUBIO DENIES VISAS TO PALESTINIAN LEADERS FOR UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY, CITING TERROR SUPPORT

Israel’s Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon speaks during a General Assembly meeting to vote on a two-state solution to the Palestinian question at United Nations headquarters on Sept. 12, 2025 in New York City.  (Angela Weiss /AFP via Getty Images)

The ministry added that the declaration embodies unprecedented support for principles such as an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, the creation of a viable, sovereign Palestinian state and confirmed the…