The United States is keeping a close eye on the development of Israel's ground offensive in Gaza, expressing "deep concern" over the situation. The conflict, triggered by a brutal massacre carried out by Hamas and other terrorist groups, has led to numerous civilian casualties and displacements. According to reports, the US believes the Israeli ground offensive in the Gaza Strip's southern region could continue for several weeks.
Israel could shift to a more targeted strategy in January, focusing on specific Hamas terrorists and leaders, as per senior US government officials. The White House is worried about how the Israeli operations will evolve in the coming weeks. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the importance of protecting civilians in the Gaza Strip, with major incidents in the north of the coastal region causing widespread concern.
The US is also advocating for increased humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller has criticized the insufficient amount of aid currently being provided, highlighting the dire need for more fuel, food, and water. The UN confirmed that around 100 trucks of aid are currently reaching Gaza daily, which is less than during the ceasefire last week.
Israel's army has expanded attacks on the sealed-off Gaza Strip, encircling Khan Junis, the largest city in the strip's south. The Israeli ground offensive has forced hundreds of thousands of people to seek protection in the southern part of the coastal region. The conflict has sparked international concern, with world opinion increasingly turning against the current ground offensive.
President Donald Trump previously proposed that the US would take over the Gaza Strip following a war with Hamas, aiming to resettle Palestinians in safer communities. However, this plan has not been clearly endorsed by the Biden administration, and the logistics and funding required for such an endeavor are unclear.
The Biden administration has focused more on humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza, demanding improved humanitarian aid access. UNICEF has been actively delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, addressing the critical needs of children and families. However, Israeli government demands have not been fully met, causing ongoing concern.
International reactions to the Trump proposal have been mixed, with the Egyptian foreign ministry warning of catastrophic consequences and UN Secretary General warnings against ethnic cleansing. The plan is seen as disrupting many of the new US administration's foreign policy objectives in the Middle East.
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