Trump signals greenlight for full Israeli takeover of Gaza

President Trump says possible Israeli conquest of all of Gaza Strip is “up to Israel,” says US is interested primarily in ensuring flow of food into Gaza.

By David Rosenberg, World Israel News

President Donald Trump appeared to give Israel a green light Tuesday to plans for the complete military occupation of the Gaza Strip, following the collapse of hostage deal talks with Hamas.

Addressing reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump responded to a question regarding media reports indicating Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to move forward with the conquest of the remaining areas in Gaza under Hamas control.

Trump declined to comment on the plans, emphasizing that his administration is primarily concerned with ensuring that sufficient food is transferred and efficiently distributed within the Gaza Strip.

“Well, I don’t know what the suggestion is,” Trump said of Israel’s war plans.

“I know that we are… now trying to get people fed. As you know, $60 million was given by the United States fairly recently to supply food, and a lot of food, frankly, for the people of Gaza that are obviously not doing too well with the food.”

“I know Israel is going to help us with that in terms of distribution, and also money. We also have the Arab states that are going to help us with the money and also possibly distribution. That is what I am focused on.”

Regarding the conduct of the war itself, Trump said it was for Israel to decide how to proceed.

“As far as the rest of it, I really can’t say. That is pretty much up to Israel.”

Netanyahu is set to convene his full security cabinet at 6:00 p.m. Israel time on Thursday, marking the first time the body will have met in three weeks.

On Tuesday, Netanyahu convened his mini-security cabinet to review options for expanding the war in Gaza.

Some Israeli media outlets have reported the security cabinet is poised to approve plans for the full occupation of Gaza, whereas other reports suggest Israel may only move forward with more limited moves, including surrounding and cutting off Hamas strongholds including Gaza City.