Trump Calls for Escalation in Gaza as Ceasefire Hopes Dim, Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Trump Calls for Escalation in Gaza as Ceasefire Hopes Dim, Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
President Donald Trump has dramatically shifted his position on the Israel-Hamas conflict, now urging Israel to “finish the job” against Hamas. This marks a stark departure from his earlier confidence that a ceasefire deal was imminent, coming just days after the United States withdrew its negotiators from talks, citing Hamas’s lack of good faith.
Trump’s latest comments, made on Friday, suggest a push for escalation in Israel’s 21-month military campaign in Gaza, despite growing global outrage over the severe humanitarian crisis. The escalating situation, characterized by images of starving children, has led a UN official to describe Gazans as “walking corpses,” intensifying international calls for an immediate resolution.
While Trump attributed the breakdown in negotiations squarely to Hamas, some Western officials speculate his tougher stance might be a tactical maneuver to pressure the group. Regardless, his remarks indicate a reduced inclination to pressure Israel for de-escalation, even as the humanitarian catastrophe deepens.
Despite the US withdrawal, diplomatic efforts persist. Egypt and Qatar have confirmed their commitment to mediating a lasting ceasefire, labeling the recent suspension in talks as “normal” within complex negotiations. A senior Israeli official also affirmed that talks have “not at all” collapsed, maintaining hope for their resumption.
The sudden US pullback sent shockwaves through Doha, the Qatari capital, where negotiations have been taking place. Core sticking points continue to revolve around the permanent cessation of hostilities, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and the redeployment of Israeli forces within Gaza.
International reactions to the conflict’s trajectory remain divided. While Trump dismissed French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent move to recognize a Palestinian state as “pointless,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized Israel’s “disproportionate military escalation” as “indefensible.” The urgency for a resolution is palpable, with the Tunisian President Kais Saied presenting US officials with harrowing photos of malnourished children, declaring it “a crime against all of humanity.”
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.