MNN (Web Desk); United States Vice President JD Vance said Friday that while Washington and London may differ on how to address the Gaza crisis, both nations share the same ultimate objective of resolving it.
Speaking alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening in southern England, Vance’s remarks came days after the UK, along with France and Canada, announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state in an effort to pressure Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Vance made it clear the US has “no plans” to follow suit. “We may have some disagreements about how exactly to accomplish that goal,” he said. “I don’t know what it would mean to really recognise a Palestinian state, given the lack of functional government there. Our goals are very clear — we want to prevent Hamas from attacking innocent people and address the humanitarian problems in Gaza.”
Asked whether former President Donald Trump had been briefed on Israel’s reported intention to occupy Gaza City, Vance declined to comment on private conversations but noted: “If it was easy to bring peace to that region, it would have been done already.” He added that Trump would likely speak publicly on Israel’s plan “at some point.”
The two leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine, with attention on a possible meeting next week between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Vance, a vocal supporter of Trump’s “America First” foreign policy, has previously criticised both the UK government and its Labour leadership. He arrived in London with his wife, Usha, and their three children before travelling to Chevening — the country residence of the British foreign minister in Kent. His itinerary includes official meetings, cultural visits, and a potential engagement with US troops.
According to UK media, Vance will spend the weekend at Chevening, followed by time in the Cotswolds. He is also expected to visit Scotland, where Trump stayed at his golf resorts last month. Trump is set for a historic second state visit to the UK next month.
