Trump shocked by Israeli military actions amid Gaza conflict

In recent days, President Donald Trump was taken aback by Israeli military operations in Syria and Gaza. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump was surprised by the Israeli strikes, especially an attack that resulted in the bombing of the only Catholic church in Gaza. This incident not only drew immediate negative reactions but also threatened to complicate Trump's ongoing efforts to pursue peace in the region and support the stabilization of Syria, which is recovering from years of civil war. The situation escalated when Israeli military actions resulted in casualties, including the deaths of three individuals during the church bombing. Such events have contributed to a growing outcry both domestically and internationally, adding strain to an already fragile relationship between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite Trump and Netanyahu's strong alliance, sources indicate a rising skepticism within the White House regarding Netanyahu's actions, suggesting a rift appearing in their previously aligned political practices. Trump's concern over escalating violence in Gaza reflects his goal of ending the humanitarian crisis. His administration has made efforts to facilitate aid into the besieged enclave even as critiques of Israel for selectively distributing humanitarian aid surface from international figures. Notably, the U.S. has been under pressure to negotiate a ceasefire and ensure the safety of hostages, as both sides have continued to wait for responses from Hamas regarding a potential resolution. Though there appears to be tension, it has been noted that Trump maintains a workable relationship with Netanyahu. However, following unsuccessful negotiations for a ceasefire during the Israeli Prime Minister's visit to Washington, the stakes have risen, with both leaders needing to confront the implications of ongoing military actions on international relations and public sentiment. Trump's approach emphasizes the importance of diplomatic efforts to alleviate the ongoing crisis in Gaza, contradicting the recent actions taken by Israel which have led to further complications in peace negotiations.