|
Trending Topics
|
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/08/06/trump-netanyahu-plan-occupy-gaza-strip-israel
Trump: Next Israeli Moves in Gaza Are "Going to Be Pretty Much Up to Israel"
(Axios) Barak Ravid - When asked on Tuesday about a possible Israeli full occupation of Gaza, President Trump said: "It is going to be pretty much up to Israel." Two U.S. officials told Axios that Trump won't intervene in the Israeli decision-making around the new operation. Israel says Hamas isn't interested in signing a comprehensive ceasefire and hostage deal on terms Israel can accept, and that only military pressure can change that. "We are not willing to remain in the current limbo and we are not willing to surrender to Hamas' demands - so essentially only one option is left, to take a drastic step. This is the last card we have left," a Netanyahu aide said. One U.S. official said Trump was moved by the video released by Hamas of an Israeli hostage digging his own grave. "It influenced the president, and he is going to let the Israelis do what they need to do." In a meeting Monday at the White House, Trump and special envoy Steve Witkoff discussed plans for the U.S. to significantly increase its role in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, the U.S. is not "taking over" the aid effort," a U.S. official said.