Former President Trump Urges Israel to Swiftly End Conflict with Hamas in Gaza
ICARO Media Group
In a recent interview with Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, former President Donald Trump expressed concerns about Israel's handling of the conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Trump warned that Israel is rapidly losing international support due to the intensity of its response to the October 7, 2023, terror attack by Hamas.
Trump conveyed his disapproval of the visuals depicting bombings in Gaza, describing them as "a terrible portrait" for the world. He emphasized the need for Israel to quickly conclude the war and transition towards peace, cautioning that the country is losing global backing.
However, Trump acknowledged that he would have responded similarly to an attack like the one suffered by the United States, empathizing with Israel's position. When reminded that terrorists hide in the buildings targeted by Israel, Trump acknowledged the complexity of the situation but stated that sometimes such actions should be avoided.
During his presidency, Trump actively pursued a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians, although he fell short of achieving his goal. Nevertheless, his administration's success in brokering the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, marked a significant achievement.
Trump, once a strong supporter of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressed disappointment in his actions following the Hamas attack and criticized him for acknowledging President Joe Biden's election victory. Trump blamed the attack on Biden's perceived weakness on the global stage and argued that it would not have occurred if he were still in power.
In the interview, Trump also addressed his controversy regarding Jewish Americans who vote for Democrats, stating that supporting Israel should be automatic and not a matter of persuasion.
The publication of the interview coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision to cancel plans for a delegation to Washington to discuss disagreements over a planned military operation in the Gaza city of Rafah. This move was fueled by Israel's frustration with the United States abstaining from a cease-fire resolution at the UN.
President Biden has advised against Israeli troops entering Rafah without a comprehensive plan to protect civilians. In response, Netanyahu vowed to proceed with the operation, considering Rafah one of the remaining strongholds of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Former President Trump's comments resonate with the ongoing conflict in the region, highlighting the delicate balance between security measures and global perception. As the situation continues, it remains to be seen how Israel will navigate the challenges of ending the conflict while maintaining international support.