JD Vance Rejects Palestinian Statehood, Points To US-UK Differences On Gaza

Last Updated:August 09, 2025, 01:04 IST

Vance’s comments come amid a shifting stance in parts of Europe regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Vance is currently in the UK on an official visit with his wife (IMAGE: AFP)

US Vice President JD Vance has ruled out any possibility of the United States recognising statehood for Palestine. His remarks came during a meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in the United Kingdom on Friday. Speaking to reporters, Vance clarified the US position on Palestinian statehood, firmly stating that recognition is not on the table.

The bilateral meeting between the senior US and UK officials was held at Chevening House, the official country residence of the British foreign secretary. Alongside the topic of Palestine, discussions also covered global economic concerns and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Vance’s comments come amid a shifting stance in parts of Europe regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The United Kingdom recently announced its intention to recognise a Palestinian state, joining a growing list of Western nations, including France, Ireland, Spain, Norway, and Canada, seeking a diplomatic resolution. Germany, a long-time ally of Israel, has also signalled a shift, announcing plans to suspend military supplies to Israel in response to the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

In this context, Vance emphasised the United States’ divergent stance. While acknowledging that the US and UK “have disagreements" on how to approach the crisis in Gaza, he noted that both nations share a “common" objective to end the war. “I don’t know what it would mean to really recognise a Palestinian state, given the lack of functional government there," Vance said.

The Vice President added, “There’s a lot of common objectives here. There is some, I think, disagreement about how exactly to accomplish those common objectives, but look, it’s a tough situation." He continued, “Our goals are very clear. We want to make it so that Hamas can’t attack innocent people. We want to solve humanitarian problems in Gaza."

Vance is currently in the UK on an official visit with his wife, participating in a series of diplomatic meetings and cultural engagements, according to Reuters. His remarks follow growing international criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza war.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also called on Israel to reconsider its ongoing occupation in Gaza, asserting that a ceasefire is urgently needed. She further demanded the release of hostages held “in inhumane conditions."

London, United Kingdom (UK)

News world JD Vance Rejects Palestinian Statehood, Points To US-UK Differences On Gaza

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