Trump and Starmer to discuss trade and Gaza in Scotland meeting

US President Donald Trump will host British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his golf resort in western Scotland on Monday for talks on their recent bilateral trade deal and the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza. Trump, buoyed by a new trade agreement with the EU, expects Starmer to be pleased. Starmer aims to negotiate a reduction in US steel and aluminum tariffs, but Trump has ruled out changes. They will travel from Turnberry to another Trump estate near Aberdeen. The deepening crisis in Gaza, where images of starving Palestinians have alarmed the world, casts a shadow over their visit. Starmer has recalled his ministers for a cabinet meeting to discuss Gaza, amid pressure to recognize a Palestinian state. Trump dismissed French President Macron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state, which drew condemnation from Israel. Trump said the US would increase aid to Gaza and urged others to join the effort. The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters stormed southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s offensive has since killed nearly 60,000 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, and displaced nearly the entire population.

What Happened

US President Donald Trump will host British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his golf resort in western Scotland on Monday. The talks are expected to cover their recent bilateral trade deal and the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza. Starmer aims to negotiate a reduction in US steel and aluminum tariffs, though Trump has ruled out changes for the EU and stated the trade deal with Britain is concluded. The visit is overshadowed by the deepening crisis in Gaza, where images of starving Palestinians have raised global concern.

Tell Me More

• The US and UK have a long-standing ’special relationship’ that often involves close cooperation on trade, defense, and international issues.

• The Gaza crisis has been a focal point of international concern, with many countries debating their stance on Palestinian statehood and humanitarian aid.

• Steel and aluminum tariffs have been a contentious issue in US trade policy, affecting international relations and economic negotiations.

• The recognition of a Palestinian state remains a divisive issue in global politics, influencing diplomatic relations and peace efforts in the Middle East.

• The humanitarian situation in Gaza has prompted calls for increased international aid and intervention to address the severe malnutrition and displacement.

The Voices

• “The prime minister of the UK, while he’s not involved in this, will be very happy because you know, there’s a certain unity that’s been brought there, too. He’s going to be very happy to see what we did,” said Donald Trump, U.S. President.

• “The trade deal with Britain has been concluded,” said Donald Trump, U.S. President.

• “My country would recognize a Palestinian state only as part of a negotiated peace deal,” said Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister.

• “I understand Starmer wants to discuss Israel, adding that while the U.S. would increase its aid to Gaza, it wanted others to join the effort,” said Donald Trump, U.S. President.

Context

The article discusses a meeting between US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump’s golf resort in Scotland. This meeting follows the announcement of a significant trade agreement between the US and the European Union, which Trump is optimistic about. The discussions are expected to cover various topics, including the recent trade deal and the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza.

The Gaza crisis has escalated dramatically since October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel, leading to significant casualties and hostages. Israel’s subsequent offensive has resulted in extensive civilian deaths and destruction in Gaza, causing severe humanitarian issues. The international community, including aid groups, has raised alarms about the dire conditions in Gaza, with calls for increased aid and recognition of a Palestinian state.

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Keir Starmer’s stance on recognizing a Palestinian state has been cautious, preferring a negotiated peace deal, which contrasts with the quicker actions of other European countries like France. Trump’s dismissal of France’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state highlights the differing approaches among world leaders. The meeting between Trump and Starmer will likely address these geopolitical tensions, alongside discussions on trade and tariffs.