Trump expresses no objection to Israel's intent to seized control of the entire Gaza Strip, according to reports
In a move that has sparked international concern, Israel's Cabinet, in August 2025, approved a phased military offensive to occupy Gaza City initially, with the broader goal of controlling the entire Gaza Strip. This operation, expected to last several months, could displace around 1 million Palestinian civilians.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has framed this plan as a means to defeat Hamas, disarm them, return hostages, demilitarize Gaza, and establish an alternative civilian governing authority while maintaining Israeli security control. However, human rights authorities, including the UN Human Rights Chief, have condemned the plan, stating it contravenes international law and the International Court of Justice ruling requiring Israel to end its occupation.
The impact on Palestinian civilians is expected to be severe. The occupation will entail massive forced displacement, increased civilian suffering, extensive destruction, and potential atrocity crimes. The UN and other human rights authorities call for an immediate halt to the offensive to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe and advocate for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and unconditional release of hostages and detained Palestinians.
Amidst this, U.S. President Donald Trump is considering significantly increasing U.S. involvement in providing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio supports Israel's right to decide its own security measures regarding Gaza. However, Rubio has also emphasised the need to address the issues of hostages and disarming Hamas, in addition to resolving the humanitarian crisis. He has reiterated President Trump's statement that all hostages must be freed, including dead hostages.
There are reports of opposition within Israel itself. Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly opposes the plan to fully occupy Gaza. In response, Netanyahu's office reportedly sent a message to Zamir stating, "If the full Gaza occupation plan doesn't suit you, you should resign."
The Trump administration is expected to focus on addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, mediator countries are pressuring Israel to halt the plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip and restart negotiations for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.
The conflict in Gaza continues to claim lives, with over 61,000 Palestinians killed and 151,000 injured since October 2023, according to reports. Systematic attacks targeting Palestinians have also resulted in 1,655 deaths and 11,800 wounded since May 27, under the guise of humanitarian aid by the Israeli-U.S.-guided "Gaza Humanitarian Aid Foundation."
Despite these challenges, Rubio maintains that peace is not possible as long as Hamas exists, and there will be no lasting peace if Hamas continues to exist. However, the international community continues to urge for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with a focus on protecting civilian lives and upholding international law.
- The Turkish government has expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its potential impact on the Middle East.
- Russia has called for an immediate halt to the military offensive in Gaza, citing the need to protect Palestinian civilians and uphold international law.
- The economy of Turkiye, being a significant trade partner with the Middle East, could be affected by the escalating war-and-conflicts in the region, particularly in Gaza.
- Politics around the world are closely monitoring the situation in Gaza, with many countries calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the protection of civilian lives.
- General news outlets worldwide are reporting extensively on the ongoing crisis in Gaza, including the displacement of Palestinian civilians, the humanitarian crisis, and the international response to the conflict.
