New Delhi: Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, US President Donald Trump has boldly predicted a ceasefire within the next week. Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, revealed a recent conversation with key individuals involved in ceasefire and hostage release negotiations, although he refrained from offering specifics.
“It’s a terrible situation that’s going on in Gaza … We think within the next week we’re going to get a ceasefire,” Trump said
His remarks come as Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer prepares a visit to Washington for talks centered around the Gaza conflict and Iran, suggesting a potential US role in brokering peace. Trump reportedly urges Israel to conclude the war swiftly, advocating for the expansion of the Abraham Accords.
Trump’s optimistic prediction was followed by a discussion of US humanitarian aid efforts. He highlighted a recent 30 million dollars donation to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), responsible for distributing food aid in Gaza.
“It’s a terrible situation that’s going [in] Gaza… and we’re supplying a lot of money and a lot of food to that area because we have to,” Trump said.
“We’re, in theory, not involved in it, but we’re involved because people are dying,” he continued. “I look at those crowds of people that have no food, no anything.”
Trump acknowledged the dire humanitarian situation, stating the necessity of US involvement despite their theoretical non-participation due to the high number of deaths. He expressed concern over reports of aid theft by “bad people,” but expressed confidence in the GHF’s improved distribution system.
However, Trump’s portrayal of the situation omits critical details. The GHF’s distribution system has been plagued by frequent incidents of IDF fire on Palestinians attempting to reach distribution points, resulting in numerous casualties.
This controversial system requires Gazans to travel long distances and cross IDF lines, contrasting sharply with UN-backed mechanisms, which, while affected by looting, could be significantly improved with increased aid flow.
The current aid flow into Gaza, averaging a mere 56 trucks daily, falls drastically short of the hundreds required to address the immense humanitarian needs. This scarcity has contributed to the immense suffering of the population. Complicating the matter are conflicting casualty figures, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reports over 56,000 deaths.
