Only weeks after implying that a ceasefire deal with Hamas was achievable, US President Donald Trump has signaled a dramatic change in tone by calling for Israel to intensify its military campaign in Gaza.
Before leaving for a weekend trip to Scotland, Trump told reporters that Israel should “finish the job” against Hamas, pointing to the organization’s alleged refusal to participate in sincere talks.
When questioned about the stalled ceasefire negotiations, Trump said, “I think they want to die, and it’s very, very bad.” “You will need to complete the task.”
The announcement was made in the midst of escalating global alarm over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where UN representatives have called the civilian population “walking corpses” and issued warnings of widespread starvation.
Trump’s remarks seemed to support Israel’s ongoing military offensive, which is now in its 21st month, in light of these warnings.
His comments came after Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, decided earlier this week to leave agreement talks reached by the US in Doha.
Concerns about Hamas’s lack of cooperation and seriousness in the negotiations have been raised by the US. “We are currently looking into other ways to secure the hostages’ release,” Witkoff stated.
The unexpected shift in the US stance has caused diplomatic circles in Qatar and Egypt, the main mediators in the current negotiations, to feel nervous and raise concerns about the future of the talks.
“There is an earthquake here. One person with close knowledge of the Doha negotiations stated, “We’re dealing with the aftershock.”
Both Qatari and Egyptian officials, however, played down the suspension, describing it as “normal in the context of these complex negotiations.” The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed in a joint statement that efforts will continue to reach a sustainable agreement in Gaza.
Similar views were expressed by a senior Israeli official who told CNN that the negotiations have “not at all” broken down and that there are still opportunities for a new deal. The official stated, “We hope Hamas will re-establish a connection with reality in order to close the remaining gaps.”
However, after scores of hostages were either freed or died while in detention, Trump blamed Hamas for the blockade, implying that the group had lost its negotiating power.
He claimed that the last phases of negotiations had exposed Hamas’ actual goals and that “they didn’t want to make a deal.”
It also seems that the president’s tough posture is a reflection of his mounting irritation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump did not elaborate when he called his recent talks with Netanyahu “sort of disappointing.”
Trump reportedly referred to Israel’s military approach in Gaza when he stated, “They’re going to have to fight and they’re going to have to clean it up.” “You will need to get rid of them.”
The most recent events represent a substantial shift from Trump’s initial optimism. The former president had stated in early July that an agreement might be achieved in as little as one week. However, that hope has waned as talks are currently on hold, and there is no set timetable for when they will resume.
Nonetheless, some administration officials are still convinced that the pressure campaign will be successful. According to State Department representative Tammy Bruce, who talked to CNN, Witkoff and Trump are “very smart, adept individuals who know the players” and “have many tools” at their disposal.
Although she declined to provide a date for a breakthrough, Bruce stated, “I expect that we’ll have some success.”
Netanyahu, however, stated on Friday that Israel was now considering “alternative” approaches to accomplish its goals, which include freeing the hostages and removing Hamas from control of Gaza. Despite international calls for moderation, the prime minister repeated Israel’s commitment to its military assault without providing any additional information.
The humanitarian cost keeps rising. Aid organizations warn of a fast-worsening scenario in Gaza, where the majority of the population has been removed and infrastructure is in ruins. Despite political rhetoric in Washington and Tel Aviv suggesting otherwise, calls for an immediate ceasefire have intensified.
It’s still unclear, according to observers, if Trump’s most recent remarks are an attempt to get Hamas back to the negotiating table or a hint that military power has trumped diplomacy.
