Washington, DC – U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he would not prevent potential Israeli plans to take control of Gaza. When questioned on Tuesday about reports suggesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering occupying the entire Palestinian territory, Trump stated that his focus remains on ensuring “people are fed” in Gaza.
“As far as the rest of it, I really can’t say. That’s going to be pretty much up to Israel,” Trump told reporters.
The United States provides Israel with billions of dollars in military aid annually, a significant increase following the start of Israel’s conflict in Gaza in October 2023. This support has been a central element of the U.S.-Israel relationship, despite growing international concerns over the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Israeli forces have implemented forced displacement orders, pushing Palestinians into increasingly smaller areas within Gaza and transforming 86% of the territory into militarized zones. Continued military operations in the remaining parts of Gaza risk further endangering the lives of civilians who have already faced daily bombardment and severe food shortages.
Reports of Netanyahu’s alleged plans to occupy Gaza have also raised concerns about the safety of the remaining Israeli captives held by Hamas and other Palestinian groups. The potential for increased violence and instability has drawn sharp criticism from international officials.
Miroslav Jenca, a top United Nations official, warned that a complete occupation of Gaza could lead to “catastrophic consequences.” He emphasized that international law requires Gaza to remain an integral part of a future Palestinian state. While Israel withdrew its forces and settlements from Gaza in 2005, legal experts note that the enclave remains under de facto Israeli control due to continued military oversight of airspace, territorial waters, and entry points.
Since the war began in 2023, right-wing Israeli officials have advocated for re-establishing military presence and settlements in Gaza. Netanyahu has reportedly supported efforts to remove all Palestinians from the area, a move described by critics as ethnic cleansing. Trump previously echoed similar sentiments, proposing to clear Gaza of its population to build a “riviera of the Middle East.”
Recent reports of expanded Israeli ground operations in Gaza coincide with growing global concern over the worsening humanitarian situation. Israel has largely blocked aid from entering the territory since March, leaving U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Facility (GHF) sites as the primary source of food for Palestinians.
Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces while attempting to reach GHF facilities. Despite calls from the international community, the U.S. has continued to support GHF, though it has allowed limited aid deliveries in recent days. These efforts remain insufficient to meet the needs of the population.
The Israeli military has also been accused of targeting aid seekers attempting to access assistance trucks outside of GHF sites in northern Gaza. Meanwhile, Trump reiterated claims that the U.S. has provided $60 million in aid to Gaza, noting that $30 million was allocated to GHF. He claimed that Israel and Arab states would assist in distribution.
The Israeli assault on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of more than 61,000 people and widespread destruction, with rights groups and UN experts describing the situation as genocide.
English 
Arabic 