Trump Says Gaza Occupation ‘Up to Israel’ Amid Mounting Fears of Humanitarian Catastrophe
“As far as the rest of it, I really can’t say. That’s going to be pretty much up to Israel,” Trump said.
WASHINGTON/ GAZA — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that it is “up to Israel” to decide whether to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, sparking renewed international concern as the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave continues to escalate.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump emphasized his primary concern was delivering aid to Gaza’s starving population but declined to comment directly on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported plans to reoccupy the entire territory.
“As far as the rest of it, I really can’t say. That’s going to be pretty much up to Israel,” Trump said.
UN Warns of Catastrophic Consequences
Trump’s comments come as United Nations officials warn that a full Israeli occupation of Gaza could lead to a “catastrophic humanitarian disaster.” Miroslav Jenca, UN Assistant Secretary-General, told the Security Council that such a move would be in direct violation of international law and risk long-term destabilization of the region.
“Gaza must remain an integral part of a future Palestinian state,” Jenca stressed.
Background: Israel’s War on Gaza
Israel launched its ongoing military campaign in Gaza in October 2023, displacing millions and causing widespread destruction. While Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005, experts have long maintained that it maintains de facto occupation due to its control over Gaza’s borders, airspace, and maritime access.
Since the 2023 war began, several Israeli political leaders — particularly from the far-right — have pushed for a return of settlements and permanent military presence in Gaza, a position widely condemned by the international community.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has suggested plans resembling ethnic cleansing, proposing the complete removal of Palestinians from Gaza. In February, Trump appeared to support this idea, calling for the transformation of the territory into a “riviera of the Middle East.”
Soaring Death Toll and Hunger Crisis
The death toll in Gaza has now surpassed 61,000, according to local health authorities, with large swathes of the territory flattened by Israeli bombardment. Aid organizations report widespread hunger, with incidents of civilians being shot while attempting to access food.
Despite the scale of the crisis, U.S. military aid to Israel has increased, while humanitarian assistance remains heavily restricted. Convoys attempting to deliver food and medical supplies are frequently blocked or targeted.
Trump claimed on Tuesday that the United States has sent $60 million in food aid to Gaza and praised Israel’s coordination in distributing it. However, on-the-ground reports from aid groups suggest that access remains severely limited, and many in desperate need continue to go without.
Read more: Trump Signals He Wouldn’t Oppose Israeli Control Over Gaza
International Concern Mounts
Trump’s latest remarks have raised alarm among human rights groups and foreign policy analysts, who fear that tacit approval from the U.S. could embolden Israel’s hardline stance. Calls are growing for an immediate ceasefire, renewed peace talks, and accountability for potential violations of international law.
As the crisis deepens, Gaza remains on the brink — with diplomatic pressure, humanitarian access, and political will all hanging in the balance.
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