President Trump is focusing on foreign policy concerning Russia and Ukraine as tensions escalate over Israel’s plans for a significant military operation in the Gaza Strip, which has intensified the suffering of the Palestinian population.
Trump has expressed his support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to initiate a large-scale attack aimed at seizing control of Gaza.
Various aid organizations are urging the U.S. to leverage its influence to ease the humanitarian crisis affecting over half a million individuals in the region. Meanwhile, some Israelis are advocating for a ceasefire agreement to safeguard at least 20 lives and ensure the return of 30 hostages, asking Trump to focus on the Middle East.
One appeal states, “You spoke powerfully about concluding the war and restoring peace. I sincerely hope that as you pursue a resolution for Ukraine, the same determination is applied to end this crisis in Gaza.”
However, Steve Witkoff, Trump’s main envoy for peace, has yet to return to the meetings he left in late July.
The White House has not responded to inquiries about the current extent of U.S. involvement in the ongoing ceasefire discussions.
Witkoff, who is now focused on addressing the conflict in Ukraine, is perceived as being “spread too thin,” according to Daniel Shapiro, a notable fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative.
Shapiro, who previously served as the U.S. ambassador to Israel under President Obama, believes Trump should appoint a senior full-time envoy dedicated specifically to the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
He argues that “if a ceasefire and a hostage exchange can prevent a full-on assault on Gaza City, we must engage in vigorous diplomacy.”
Although Trump successfully negotiated a ceasefire agreement in January, it fell apart within two months, which had provided some relief for Palestinians and secured the release of numerous hostages.
“Since then, the situation has worsened significantly, and he has missed opportunities to expedite peace,” Shapiro mentions.
Trump’s previous comments about creating a “Middle Eastern Riviera” in Gaza have infuriated far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition, who insist on taking control over the Gaza Strip. Simultaneously, Trump has deflected criticism regarding Israel’s earlier decision to impose restrictions on food supplies.
He has not capitalized on Israel’s recent achievements, allowing the U.S. to be accused of overlooking Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the ongoing escalation of violence. Now, he seems to endorse Israel’s expansive military campaign, which many find concerning.
On Friday, Trump stated that not all Israelis favor a ceasefire and hostage deal, implying that a swift military action might be the most effective method for securing the safety of those still held captive.
He expressed, “This situation has to come to a close. It’s a form of extortion that must end, and we’ll just have to see how it unfolds. In many ways, I believe they might be safer.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump remarked, “We’ll just see the rest of the hostages return when Hamas is confronted and defeated! … Either go all in or don’t play at all!”
Questions regarding his strategy for resolving the war in Ukraine were met with Trump indicating he would clarify his approach in two weeks.
According to the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegses last conferred with his Israeli counterpart on July 18, reinforcing that the U.S. will continue to support Israel’s right to self-defense in line with Trump’s agenda of achieving peace through strength.
With a hunger declaration in Gaza set for Friday, the integrated food security phase (IPC) has prompted calls for U.S. intervention to hinder Netanyahu’s military plans in the area.
“The U.S., as Israel’s closest ally, bears direct responsibility for its failure to utilize diplomatic muscle to secure an immediate uptick in humanitarian aid,” claimed Jeremy Konindik, President of Refugee International.
The IPC has warned of a looming hunger crisis in the southern Gaza region by September.
Israel has dismissed the IPC’s claims regarding hunger, accusing it of misrepresenting the situation.
Seth Franzman, a think tank fellow based in Jerusalem, noted that ceasefire arrangements are feasible but criticized Netanyahu for frequently altering the terms.
“Israeli leaders don’t seem eager to commit to a deal that would end hostilities. Hamas is mainly saying they want to ensure that if the Israelis agree to a partial arrangement, they will also halt the conflict,” he explained.
This week, Hamas reportedly accepted a proposed ceasefire in Egypt, which resembles an earlier offer made by Witkoff in May, including the exchange of numerous prisoners for 10 living hostages in ongoing negotiations to finalize peace.
Netanyahu’s most assertive demands revolve around the immediate release of all hostages, disbandment of Hamas, and establishing Israeli security control over Gaza, along with an alternative civilian governance structure free from Hamas or the Palestinian authority.
Israeli officials are reportedly monitoring the terms accepted by Hamas; however, Netanyahu has shown no signs of retracting the planned assault on Gaza City.
“I have now authorized the IDF,” Netanyahu announced in a video circulated outside IDF headquarters in Gaza.
“Simultaneously, we have instructed that immediate discussions commence to release all our hostages and conclude the conflict under terms that are agreeable to Israel.”
Franzman, author of “The War of October 7: The Battle of Israel for Security in Gaza,” criticized the initiative to capture Gaza City, raising questions about why such a strategy hadn’t been considered previously if it was truly a “magic wand” to stop the conflict.
Shifting military operations introduces a host of new difficulties, he added. The IDF faces resource challenges, as the 60,000 reserves being called up are experiencing multiple rotations in the protracted conflict, leading to exhaustion among troops.
Gaza City is densely populated with refugee camps, heavily urbanized areas, major cities, and Hamas strongholds. The IDF aims to evacuate civilians before commencing operations, but Hamas is likely to be waiting to reoccupy the area.
“Hamas seems to retreat as civilians evacuate, only to return once they leave. That poses a significant challenge to the IDF,” he concluded.
