In a recent conversation, President Trump apparently urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show consideration for Gaza. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump stated he told Netanyahu, “You’ve got to be good to Gaza” because its residents “are suffering.”
Trump informed reporters that there’s a “very big need for food and medicine, and we’re taking care of it,” also expressing he “felt well” about efforts to increase aid to Gaza.
This message appears to signal a shift from Trump’s previous, more forceful rhetoric. Before seeking re-election, he warned Hamas of severe consequences if hostages were not released. In February, during Netanyahu’s visit to the White House, Trump had suggested the U.S. should take control of the Gaza Strip and transform it into a “riviera.”
Shortly after Netanyahu’s White House visit, Trump declared that Israel should “let all hell break out” if Hamas failed to meet his noon deadline for the release of all remaining hostages. While Hamas did not comply, Israel postponed resuming military operations until March 18. Prior to the resumption of ground operations, 33 hostages were released.
Aid trucks have been unable to enter Gaza since March 2, sparking international concern over the escalating crisis within the territory. While Trump seems to be encouraging Netanyahu to adjust his approach to Gaza, Israel maintains it will not allow aid entry until the remaining hostages are freed.
Within Israel, there is growing concern and frustration regarding allegations that aid is being diverted to Hamas terrorists instead of reaching the people of Gaza. In November 2024, the Associated Press reported significant price increases in Gaza after nearly 100 trucks of food and humanitarian assistance were looted by armed individuals.
Eli Sharabi, a freed Hamas hostage, recounted to the that his captors frequently possessed boxes of supplies bearing U.N. logos within the tunnels. Sharabi, who weighed only 97 pounds upon his release, stated that hostages were starved while “Hamas eats link kings.”
According to the Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), an Israeli agency, 25,200 trucks carrying 447,538 tons of humanitarian aid entered Gaza while the hostage deal was in effect.
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