Trump claims Netanyahu prolongs war for political gain

In a recent conversation with two White House officials, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his belief that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already achieved the objectives of the ongoing conflict but continues the military actions for political reasons. Trump’s sentiment reflects concerns that Netanyahu's actions may be hindering efforts towards a cease-fire agreement. Despite these concerns, officials indicate that there is no significant rift between the U.S. leader and the Israeli Prime Minister. Publicly, Trump has refrained from placing blame on Israel for the standoff, instead directing his frustrations towards Hamas. During a visit to Scotland, Trump discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressing doubts over Netanyahu's assertions that no starvation is occurring in the region. He referred to broadcasts showing hungry children, suggesting a serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which contrasts with Netanyahu’s statements that criticize accusations of starvation. Netanyahu has maintained that Israel is providing humanitarian aid to Gaza amid the conflict and that there is no policy of starvation. In light of accusations against Israel for intentionally starving civilians, measures have been taken to airlift additional aid into the region, working alongside the ongoing support from organizations like the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Furthermore, there has been an acknowledgment from The New York Times that their reporting on a malnourished child linked to the war was incorrect, revealing instead that the child’s condition was due to a pre-existing genetic illness, not a product of the conflict. This situation underscores the complex dynamics between U.S.-Israeli relations and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While Trump expresses frustrations regarding the humanitarian implications of the war, he also strives to maintain a diplomatic relationship with Netanyahu despite their differences in perspective regarding the conflict. The ongoing situation necessitates careful navigation on the part of the U.S., as they seek a position that can facilitate discussions for a cease-fire while managing the political ramifications domestically and internationally.