US President Donald Trump has indicated that it’s “up to Israel” whether to occupy the entire Gaza Strip.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump said he is primarily focused on getting food to Gaza’s starving population, and deflected questions about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s alleged plans to fully occupy the enclave.
“As far as the rest of it, I really can’t say. That’s going to be pretty much up to Israel,” Trump said.
The remarks sparked concerns, as Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza — launched in October 2023 — has already displaced millions and left most of the territory devastated.
Fears of humanitarian disaster grow
UN officials have warned that any attempt by Israel to reoccupy Gaza could trigger a humanitarian catastrophe.
Miroslav Jenca, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas at the UN, told the Security Council that full occupation of Gaza “would risk catastrophic consequences.”
He stressed that Gaza must remain an integral part of a future Palestinian state under international law.
Israel’s war on gaza and occupation rhetoric
Although Israel withdrew its military and settlers from Gaza in 2005, experts have long considered the enclave under de facto occupation due to Israel’s control over borders, airspace, and maritime access.
Since the 2023 war began, Israeli right-wing leaders have called for the return of settlements and permanent military presence in Gaza — a move widely seen as illegal under international law.
Netanyahu has also floated plans that suggest ethnic cleansing, aiming to remove Palestinians from Gaza entirely. In February, Trump appeared to endorse that idea, proposing to replace Gaza with a “riviera of the Middle East.”
Rising death toll, food crisis deepen concerns
Israel’s military operations have killed more than 61,000 people in Gaza, with much of the territory flattened. Hunger is rampant, with growing reports of people being shot while trying to reach humanitarian aid.
Despite the dire situation, the US continues to fund Israel’s military — reportedly increasing aid since the war began — while humanitarian aid from international agencies has faced severe restrictions.
Trump on Tuesday claimed the US has provided $60 million in food aid to Gaza and praised Israel’s role in helping with distribution. However, access remains deeply limited, and reports suggest aid trucks are often targeted or blocked.
