Tel Aviv:
As Israel escalates its military actions in Gaza to gain “full control” over the Palestinian territory, there may be signs that some of its closest allies, particularly the United States, are reconsidering their support amid widespread hunger in the area. According to the Washington Post, the Trump administration conveyed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the situation in Gaza had not reached a conclusion.
Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that officials from the Trump team warned Israel about potential abandonment if the conflict continued indefinitely. “The Trump representatives are sending a message: ‘If we don’t end this war, we’ll abandon you,'” one source noted.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt remarked that “The President wants to end the war in Gaza,” especially after the recent release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander.
The pressure from the Trump administration has led to noticeable tension, particularly during President Trump’s recent visit to the Middle East. While meeting with leaders from Arab nations—like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE—he highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, stating, “many people are starving.” Trump recalled his earlier conversation with Netanyahu, urging for more food and medical supplies to flow into the enclave. “Gaza came out and told me I needed to be good. People are in pain,” he reminisced.
Pressure from Other Allies
On Monday, leaders from the UK, France, and Canada condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and warned of potential joint measures if the military strikes did not cease.
Macron and Carney criticized Israeli support and silenced comments from Netanyahu’s ministers, who hinted at significant displacement for Palestinians.
“We will not remain silent while the Netanyahu government continues these terrible actions. If Israel halts military operations and lifts humanitarian restrictions, we will take further concrete steps,” one leader stated.
While they didn’t specify what measures might be taken, they expressed a commitment to recognizing Palestinian statehood as part of the two-state solution and indicated a willingness to collaborate with other parties towards that goal.
Netanyahu’s Shift
In response to the mounting pressure, Netanyahu suggested a readiness to end the conflict, stating, “If the remaining hostages are freed, Hamas will lower its arms, its murder leader will be expelled, and Gaza will be condemned.” He also emphasized the importance of alleviating hunger in Gaza for “diplomatic reasons.” “We should not let the population of Gaza face starvation,” he mentioned in a video shared on his Telegram channel, asserting that even “friends of Israel” wouldn’t tolerate pictures of mass starvation.
This marked the first time Israel openly recognized the hunger threat in Gaza, although global hunger experts have repeatedly warned about the situation. Israel has claimed it has been striving to compel concessions from Palestinian factions since March 2.
“U.S. Official Denies Report”
In reaction to the Washington Post article, Israeli media cited U.S. officials who acknowledged some differences of opinion but labeled the idea of abandoning Israel as “ridiculous.”
U.S. representatives also disputed claims that an agreement was made to allow minor amounts of aid into Gaza, stating that the 78-day lockdown was part of a covert arrangement with Hamas, which had led to the release of the held U.S. and Israeli hostage, Edan Alexander.
“It was a goodwill gesture. This release was unconditional,” one U.S. official told Israeli Times.
Israeli Ambassador Mike Huckabee also dismissed the Washington Post report, calling it “nonsense.” “They should focus on what the president says, rather than relying on uninformed sources,” he commented to YNET news.
