Media: Trump won't intervene into Netanyahu’s Gaza occupation plan

US President Donald Trump will not oppose Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to launch a new military operation aimed at occupying the entire Gaza Strip, according to US and Israeli officials.

The Israeli Security Cabinet is expected to approve the contentious proposal later on August 7, paving the way for a months-long operation that could result in the displacement of approximately 1 million Palestinian civilians. The new military push, which would target central Gaza including Gaza City, comes amid growing international calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief.

Two US officials told Axios that Trump has decided not to intervene in the Israeli government’s internal decision-making process regarding the expansion of the war. 

“I really can't say. It is going to be pretty much up to Israel,” Trump said when asked on August 5 about the possibility of a full Israeli occupation of Gaza.

Israeli officials say the plan includes deploying troops into areas where hostages are believed to be held. Netanyahu is reportedly moving forward with the plan despite warnings from top Israeli military leaders and diplomatic pressure from abroad.

“We are not willing to remain in the current limbo and we are not willing to surrender to Hamas' demands — so essentially only one option is left, to take a drastic step. This is the last card we have left,” a senior Netanyahu aide told Axios.

The Trump administration’s stance appears influenced by a recent video released by Hamas, in which an Israeli hostage is seen digging his own grave. 

“It influenced the president, and he is going to let the Israelis do what they need to do,” one US official said.

Still, the official noted that the US does not support any move toward the annexation of Gaza — a possibility that some Israeli lawmakers have floated. Military leaders have also voiced strong concerns about the potential fallout of such an operation.

IDF Chief of Staff Gen. Eyal Zamir reportedly told Netanyahu in a private meeting on August 5: “You are walking into a trap,” warning that a full occupation could lead to Israeli military rule over more than 2 million Palestinians and further jeopardise the safety of hostages.

Despite these warnings, Netanyahu appears determined to proceed.

Meanwhile, the White House plans to address the deepening hunger crisis in Gaza by expanding humanitarian assistance through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Sources say the Trump administration will increase funding to the GHF and support the opening of new aid centers across north and central Gaza — areas where displaced civilians are expected to be relocated.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told Bloomberg that the number of GHF aid centers will be increased from 4 to 16. However, aid organisations and the United Nations have urged the administration to instead restore and strengthen existing aid channels, which Israel has largely shut down.

By Sabina Mammadli