Trump doubles down on Gaza control vow as ceasefire pressure grows

New details emerging about the deteriorating condition of released hostages have intensified pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to extend the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, even as former U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his pledge that the United States would take control of Gaza.

Ceasefire Talks and Stalled Negotiations

The second phase of negotiations, aimed at securing the release of more hostages and achieving a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, was set to begin on February 3. However, progress has been slow, despite Israeli forces withdrawing from a Gaza corridor on Sunday, in alignment with truce commitments.

Netanyahu dispatched a delegation to Qatar, a key mediator in the conflict, but its low-level representation has fueled speculation that a major breakthrough is unlikely. Having recently returned from a meeting with Trump, Netanyahu is expected to convene security cabinet ministers on Tuesday to discuss the next steps.

Trump’s Controversial Proposal on Gaza

Speaking on Sunday, Trump reaffirmed his intention for the U.S. to take control of Gaza, suggesting that America could oversee its rebuilding efforts and potentially delegate sections of reconstruction to Middle Eastern states.

Trump claimed that Arab nations had signaled willingness to relocate displaced Palestinians and insisted that many Palestinians would prefer leaving Gaza if given an alternative. He justified this stance by stating that the only reason people wanted to return to Gaza was due to a lack of viable options elsewhere.

The former president also expressed frustration over the state of released hostages, describing them as emaciated and resembling Holocaust survivors. He questioned how much longer the situation could be tolerated.

Global Reactions and Arab Response

The Israeli government, while not officially endorsing Trump’s remarks, has shown openness to the idea of resettling Gaza’s population, with Netanyahu calling it a “revolutionary, creative vision.” However, Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, and much of the international community have strongly rejected this notion.

Egypt has announced it will host an emergency Arab summit on February 27 to discuss the escalating crisis and potential population displacement.

Saudi Arabia condemned Netanyahu’s recent statements, particularly his suggestion that Palestinians could establish their state elsewhere, arguing that such remarks were an attempt to divert attention from Israel’s actions in Gaza, which they described as ethnic cleansing.

Qatar also denounced Netanyahu’s comments, labeling them provocative and a clear violation of international law.

Hostage Families Call for Urgent Action

Families of hostages who remain in captivity have voiced increasing desperation, urging Netanyahu’s government to extend the ceasefire and secure their release.

Some of the newly freed hostages have described inhumane conditions, including being barefoot and in chains, with limited food and harsh treatment.

Ella Ben Ami, whose father was released on Saturday, pleaded with the Israeli government to act quickly, saying that captivity was far worse than anyone had imagined.

The father of Alon Ohel, another hostage still in Gaza, relayed accounts from released captives who said his son survives on half a pita or less per day. His mother, Idit Ohel, broke down in tears, revealing that her son had been shackled for over a year.

Michael Levy, whose brother Or Levy was freed after 16 months in captivity, accused Israeli leadership of failing to act urgently, despite knowing the dire conditions hostages were enduring.

Adding to the pressure, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant admitted that the worsening conditions of the hostages had been known to Israeli intelligence for some time.

Ceasefire Extension Uncertain

The current ceasefire, which began on January 19, has held so far, raising hopes for a longer-term resolution after 16 months of war that has reshaped the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.

A key development in the ceasefire implementation came as Israeli forces withdrew from the 6-kilometer (4-mile) Netzarim corridor, a strategic military zone separating northern and southern Gaza. No troops remained in the area by Sunday.

Following the ceasefire’s announcement, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians were permitted to cross Netzarim and return to the north of Gaza.

However, the agreement remains highly fragile. On Sunday, three Palestinians were reportedly killed near Gaza City by Israeli fire. Israel’s military acknowledged firing warning shots and later claimed to have scored “several hits.” The military also warned civilians against approaching their forces.

Israeli troops remain stationed along Gaza’s borders with both Israel and Egypt, maintaining control over movements in and out of the enclave.

Hamas Declares Victory Amid Uncertainty

In response to Israel’s withdrawal from Netzarim, Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif Al-Qanoua declared that the move proved the group had forced Israel to submit to its demands, calling it a defeat for Netanyahu’s goal of achieving total military victory.

Despite these statements, Israel has insisted that it will not agree to a full withdrawal from Gaza unless Hamas’ military and political infrastructure is completely dismantled.

Hamas, on the other hand, has refused to release the remaining hostages unless Israel completely pulls out.

Exchange of Hostages and Prisoners

The ceasefire’s first phase, lasting 42 days, has facilitated the gradual release of 33 Israeli hostages, taken captive during the October 7, 2023, attack, which marked the beginning of the war.

In return, Israel has freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and allowed a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.

However, Hamas has informed Israel that eight of the 33 hostages set for release are already deceased.

While many Israeli citizens and hostage families are calling for the ceasefire to be extended, Netanyahu faces opposing pressures from far-right political allies, who insist that military operations must resume.

Trump’s proposal for U.S. control over Gaza has added further complexity to the ongoing negotiations.

Mounting Violence in the West Bank

While the war in Gaza continues to dominate global attention, violence in the occupied West Bank has intensified in recent days.

On Sunday, Israeli forces launched operations against Palestinian militants in the northern West Bank, particularly in the Nur Shams refugee camp, which has been a focal point of Israeli military action.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that two women were killed, including Sundus Shalabi, an eight-month-pregnant woman, and Rahaf al-Ashqar, 21.

The Israeli military later confirmed that police were investigating the shooting incident.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, announced an expansion of military operations in the Jenin region, citing efforts to prevent Iran, a Hamas ally, from strengthening its influence in the West Bank.