Trump Urges Hamas to Surrender as Gaza Crisis Deepens
Gaza City / Washington – Former U.S. President Donald Trump said Hamas must surrender and release the hostages to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He posted the message on his Truth Social account shortly after U.S. envoy David Witkoff arrived in Israel to discuss the ongoing war.
Witkoff met with Israeli officials as global pressure grew on Israel over the destruction in Gaza and the limited delivery of aid. After the meeting, a top Israeli official said the U.S. and Israel now agree that a new plan is needed. This plan aims to release all hostages, disarm Hamas, and demilitarize Gaza.
The U.S. envoy will visit Gaza on Friday to inspect food aid deliveries. The White House said President Biden will be briefed on the final plan for speeding up humanitarian help.
Trump Calls Gaza Situation “Terrible”
When asked about recent comments by U.S. lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene—who called Israel’s actions in Gaza “genocide”—Trump responded: “It’s terrible what’s happening. People are very hungry.” He added that the U.S. is providing financial help to ease the crisis.
Ceasefire Talks Stalled
Efforts to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have not made progress. Talks in Doha ended without a deal. Israel recently replied to Hamas’ latest response to a U.S.-backed plan, which includes a 60-day ceasefire and the release of some hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners.
Violence and Hunger in Gaza
At least 23 people were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza, including 12 people waiting for aid near the Netzarim corridor. Israel’s army said it only fired warning shots and saw no injuries.
So far, Gaza’s health ministry has reported 156 deaths from hunger and malnutrition, most of them children. In response, Israel said it will pause military operations for 10 hours a day in some areas to let food and medicine through.
Still, the U.N. says aid is not enough, and many residents risk their lives to get food. “Someone with a knife took my sack of flour,” said a man in Deir Al-Balah.
Pressure on Hamas and Protests in Israel
Hamas still holds around 50 hostages, and only 20 are believed to be alive. Families of hostages held protests outside Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office, demanding a ceasefire. Over 60,000 Palestinians have died since the war began in October 2023.
Netanyahu said the war won’t stop until Hamas gives up power and weapons. But Hamas refuses to disarm. His government includes far-right parties that want to reclaim Gaza and rebuild Jewish settlements there.
Global Reactions and Two-State Talks
France and Saudi Arabia released a joint statement supporting a two-state solution, calling on Hamas to hand over power to the Palestinian Authority (PA). But Israel rejected this idea, saying it rewards Hamas for the October 7 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages being taken to Gaza.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has imposed travel sanctions on some Palestinian Authority and PLO officials for “undermining peace”. The names were not made public.
Germany’s foreign minister said a Palestinian state should be recognized only after a peace deal is made.
At the same time, Israeli ministers are calling for the annexation of the West Bank, raising more tension in the region.
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