US President Donald Trump has confronted Robert Peston, the political editor of ITV News, asking the veteran Jewish broadcaster: "But you do understand about Oct 7th?
The exchange took place during a press conference Trump was holding with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers on Thursday, to mark the end of his state visit.
Trump made the comment in response to a question from Peston, asking when he would his power to “persuade” Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu to “stop the demolition of Gaza City, to stop the starvation of Palestine, and to stop the killing of civilians.”
Peston who had pre-faced his question by telling Trump he was “uniquely” placed to stop the war –stated that he did understand, Trump continued, saying that October 7 was “one of the worst days in the history of humanity.
“I have seen the tapes,” he went on. “Babies that are four months old, just chopped up to pieces. You’ve seen the tapes and I’ve seen the tapes – you’re a professional and so am I.
He added: “People forget about October 7th. I can’t forget about it.”
Trump, who also revealed that he disagrees with Starmer’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state, went on to explain: “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.”
Trump reminding Robert Peston of the Horrors of October 7 pic.twitter.com/q4NZuxteG4
— Ben (@Jamin2g) September 18, 2025
Jumping in, Peston pushed the President once more, asking: “But as soon as they’re back, that’s the moment you will tell Netanyahu to stop?”
“It would certainly help,” Trump replied, adding: “But I have to have the hostages back. And I don’t want them back piecemeal, as I said before. I want them back.”
Starmer is expected to formally announce the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state this weekend after Trump's departure later today.
His decision to wait until Trump leaves has been criticised by Labour backbencher Rosena Allin-Khan, who has called on the prime minister to make discussing the situation in Gaza with Trump a "top priority".
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