In a significant development, US President Donald Trump indicated on Tuesday that he would not intervene with Israel’s intentions to occupy the entire Gaza Strip.
This statement followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security consultation, where he reportedly expressed favor for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to take control of the entire enclave, even if such action poses risks to the lives of the remaining hostages still held by Hamas in areas yet to be captured by Israeli forces.
When asked by reporters at the White House whether he would support Israel’s plan, which is pending final approval from the Israeli cabinet, Trump stated, “That’s pretty much going to be up to Israel.”
His primary focus, he added, is on providing aid to Gazans, who he acknowledged are suffering from severe food shortages.
In his remarks, Trump emphasized that Israel would assist in the distribution of aid as well as in funding initiatives.
He also noted that Arab states would contribute to the efforts, both financially and in distribution logistics.
Despite Israel’s alleged financial support for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), it has not confirmed this publicly, likely due to potential backlash from segments of Netanyahu’s right-wing base who oppose providing aid to Gaza.
On July 28, amid escalating international concerns about hunger in Gaza, Trump announced the establishment of new “food centers” in the enclave, indicating they would be managed by Israel.
This announcement took some officials in Jerusalem by surprise as they had anticipated the US would support the establishment of additional distribution sites under the auspices of the GHF rather than create a new distribution mechanism.
However, the White House affirmed on July 29 that Trump was committed to announcing a new Gaza aid plan.
In a recent visit to a GHF site in southern Gaza, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee expressed their dedication to improving humanitarian conditions.
While Huckabee praised GHF’s initiatives, Witkoff’s comments were more reserved as he focused on reporting the humanitarian situation to Trump.
This highlights a growing sentiment within the US administration to enhance its involvement in the distribution of humanitarian aid to Gaza, amid frustrations with Israel’s handling of the matter so far.
During a State Department briefing, spokesperson Tammy Bruce was queried about the potential ramifications of an Israeli occupation of Gaza.
She refrained from elaborating but emphasized the importance of prioritizing the release of hostages, including the remains of two Americans, and ensuring that Hamas does not govern Gaza again.
Bruce denounced the recent videos released by Hamas showing emaciated Israeli hostages, emphasizing the horrors they depict as a disturbing reminder of Hamas’s nature.
In response to a question on whether he had viewed this troubling video, Trump remarked, “I think it’s horrible” and expressed hope that many people would see it to understand the gravity of the situation.
As Netanyahu contemplates military pressure as a means to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages, he is likely weighing the risks involved.
The IDF leadership has expressed concerns that increased military action could provoke Hamas to execute hostages if they sense the IDF is intensifying its efforts to reclaim territory.
Amid reports of intra-government discourse becoming public, there is speculation that the discussions around potential Israeli occupation are strategic, aimed at encouraging Hamas to negotiate a deal to secure the release of the hostages.
After negotiations faltered on July 24, leading to the withdrawal of US and Israeli teams from negotiations in Doha, Arab mediators have suggested that a resolution remains achievable.
However, it has been reported that Netanyahu is pursuing a more encompassing deal to secure the release of all hostages in exchange for ceasing military operations.
While Hamas has shown interest in this framework, Netanyahu insists on disarmament and the group’s exit from Gaza, conditions that Hamas deems unacceptable.
In the backdrop of this geopolitical maneuvering lies the grave humanitarian crisis facing Gaza due to the ongoing blockade which has lasted for 78 days.
Aid organizations have raised alarms regarding the terrifying specter of famine in the region.
Although some assistance has started to trickle through since late May, these aid efforts are deemed insufficient relative to the dire needs of the population.
Much of the aid has been funneled through GHF, a process that is met with significant criticism from humanitarian organizations and the broader international community.
These groups denounce GHF’s procedures, noting that recipients must undertake arduous journeys to collect parcels of food that lack the necessary resources for proper preparation within Gaza where cooking fuel is scarce.
As desperation mounts among the Gazan populace, chaotic scenes have erupted at GHF distribution centers where thousands scramble to obtain food.
Without proper registration to ensure that aid does not end up in the hands of Hamas members, many of those who can access aid are likely healthier individuals capable of enduring the lengthy trips to food centers, while the most vulnerable remain underserved.
Compounding the crisis, the United Nations has documented at least 766 fatalities resulting from shootings tied to the distribution of aid.
While the IDF denies culpability, asserting that any gunfire directed at aid seekers only serves as warning shots, they maintain that armed members of Hamas have also been firing on civilians.
Additionally, the UN has faced obstacles in distributing vast quantities of humanitarian supplies, frequently hindered by hordes of desperate Gazans overwhelming aid convoys.
Instances of IDF gunfire have further complicated these delivery efforts, revealing significant gaps in the current humanitarian response mechanisms.
IDF claims of inflated casualty figures have met with skepticism from humanitarian sources, citing the dire situation on the ground.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza raises pressing questions regarding the future administration of the territory post-conflict and how to address the acute humanitarian needs of its residents.
As international and local stakeholders continue to grapple with these complex dynamics, the situation in Gaza remains fraught with challenges, both from an operational and humanitarian perspective.
image source from：timesofisrael
