President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have discussed plans to expand military control of the Gaza Strip, amidst rising global backlash against Hamas. The leaders discussed Israel’s plans to take control of the remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza, aiming to end the war, release hostages, and defeat Hamas. Netanyahu defended the plan, accusing critics and media outlets of promoting “fake” stories about starving children and comparing the claims to lies spread throughout history to justify mass slaughters of Jews.
Despite other U.S. and Israeli allies holding back military aid and condemning the Israeli government for the escalating hunger crisis in Gaza, Trump has given Netanyahu a tacit endorsement to take over the Gaza Strip. Germany announced Friday it would halt military exports to Israel that can be used in the Gaza Strip, while France, Canada, and the United Kingdom previously expressed their intentions to recognize an independent Palestinian state, vehemently opposed by Israel.
U.S. lawmakers have become increasingly outspoken against Israel after its military has repeatedly opened fire on Palestinians at food distribution sites. Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is Jewish, criticized Netanyahu’s decision to “impose a blockade, preventing food to come in,” highlighting the growing global backlash against Israel’s expansion of military control over the Gaza Strip.
