President Trump says Gaza takeover is 'up to Israel' while US seeks leading role in Gaza aid distribution effort

When asked about Israel’s reported plans to take control of the entire Gaza Strip, U.S. President Trump told reporters at a White House press conference on Tuesday that it would be “pretty much going to be up to Israel.”

The questions came against the backdrop of numerous reports stating the Israeli Cabinet is expected to approve plans later this week for the IDF to escalate its operations and capture the remaining 25% of the Gaza Strip.

The U.S. president was asked whether he would support Israel occupying the entire enclave. “Well, I don’t know what the suggestion is,” he replied. “I know that we are right there now, trying to get people fed."

“The United States gave 60 million dollars fairly recently to supply food for the people of Gaza, who are obviously not doing very well,” he said, referring to the operations of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operates four aid distribution centers but is being boycotted by other aid groups.

“Israel is going to help us with that in terms of distribution and also money,” Trump continued, “As far as the rest of it, I really can’t say, that’s going to be really up to Israel.”

Trump also confirmed that he had seen the video of Israeli hostage Evyatar David, who appeared pale and emaciated as he was forced to dig his own grave.

Trump also confirmed that he saw the video of Israeli hostage Evyatar David being forced to dig his own grave while looking pale and emaciated. “I think it’s horrible. And I hope a lot of people do get to see it as bad as it is, because I think it's a horrible thing,” he said.

Despite Trump’s comments, the Axios news outlet reported that some members of his administration are concerned about Israel’s proposed takeover of the Gaza Strip, despite the governments being in full coordination regarding the move.

However, while apparently being content to leave the military aspect up to the Israeli leadership’s discretion, Trump reportedly seeks to take a leading role in the aid distribution efforts in Gaza, Axios reported.

Trump and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly finalized plans to take over the management of the humanitarian effort on Monday, following Witkoff's return from Israel.

As part of the visit, Witkoff toured GHF sites and other areas in Gaza, and met with hostage families.

A U.S. official told Axios that the new mechanism would receive funding from several Gulf countries, while Jordan and Egypt would take an active role.

The president was “not thrilled” about the idea, “but it kind of has to happen, there doesn't seem to be another way,” the official said.

“The starvation problem in Gaza is getting worse. Donald Trump does not like that. He does not want babies to starve. He wants mothers to be able to nurse their children. He's becoming fixated on that,” he added.

U.S. officials and an Israeli official told the outlet that Israel is on board with Trump’s plan, which would be of benefit by dampening down international criticism of Israel over the humanitarian situation.