US President Donald Trump stated that the decision to reoccupy Gaza rests solely with Israel, reinforcing Washington’s position of giving the Netanyahu government wide discretion in handling the ongoing conflict. Addressing reporters, Trump said that any potential Israeli military operation or long-term presence in Gaza would be “entirely up to Israel,” signaling that the United States would neither obstruct nor dictate Tel Aviv’s security strategies in the enclave.
His remarks follow growing reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a full reoccupation of Gaza, a move aimed at asserting complete military control over the territory amid the continuing conflict with Hamas. Israeli officials have hinted that such an operation could involve the dismantling of remaining Hamas strongholds, the destruction of cross-border tunnel networks, and the imposition of strict security measures to prevent future attacks on Israeli territory.
Trump’s statement aligns with his administration’s broader approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which prioritizes Israel’s security prerogatives over international mediation efforts. While the president avoided explicitly endorsing a ground invasion, his language suggested that the White House would back any Israeli decision framed as self-defense.
The timing of his remarks coincides with heightened global concern over civilian casualties in Gaza, where humanitarian agencies report worsening conditions due to blockades, airstrikes, and the mass displacement of residents. International human rights organizations and several UN members have warned that a full-scale Israeli reoccupation could further inflame tensions, risk regional escalation, and complicate future peace negotiations.
Despite these warnings, Trump has consistently emphasized that Israel must retain the freedom to act as it sees fit in protecting its citizens, calling the conflict a matter of “national survival” for the Jewish state. His comments are likely to embolden Netanyahu’s government, which faces both domestic pressure for decisive military action and international scrutiny over its treatment of Gaza’s civilian population.
