Trump Leaves the Decision to Occupy Gaza to Israel and Reveals His Position on the Crisis

U.S. President Donald Trump refused yesterday, Tuesday, to disclose whether he supports or opposes Israel's intention to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, merely stating: "It's up to them."

Trump explained to reporters at the White House that his administration's focus is on increasing food access to the Palestinian territory, adding: "Clearly, the people of Gaza are not getting enough food, and we are working to feed the population in Gaza," noting that Arab countries will assist in these humanitarian efforts.

In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened a significant escalation by carrying out a large military operation in the devastated territory, as an official in his office revealed that Netanyahu is inclined to expand the attack and take control of the entire area, after indirect talks with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and prisoner exchange reached a deadlock, according to Israeli Channel 12.

Senior officials close to Netanyahu confirmed that Israeli forces are heading towards the complete occupation of the territory, indicating that "the matter is settled, and operations will include areas where hostages are held, and if the Chief of Staff refuses to carry this out, he can resign."

Conversely, other sources denied that Netanyahu had made his final decision regarding the continuation of operations in Gaza, considering that the leaks do not reflect the official position, according to the Israeli newspaper "Maariv."

These developments come amid stalled negotiations between Israel and Hamas over prisoner exchange and ceasefire, with each party sticking to its conditions, leading the talks to a deadlock.