President Donald Trump forecasted that a ceasefire in Gaza could be reached “within the next week.”
During a press briefing in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump described the Gaza situation as “terrible” but showed confidence that peace between Israel and Hamas might soon be achieved.
“I think it’s close. I just spoke with some of the people involved,” Trump said. “We think within the next week we’re going to get a ceasefire.”
He also addressed the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, noting the significant amount of U.S. funding and food aid being provided.
“We’re supplying, as you know, a lot of money and a lot of food to that area because we have to, I mean, you have to,” Trump said. “In theory, we’re not involved in it, but we’re involved because people are dying.”
Trump urged other nations to contribute humanitarian assistance to Gaza as well, the New York Post reported.
“You see the lines of people just to get one meal, essentially,” he said. “But it’s too bad other countries aren’t helping out.”
He emphasized that the U.S. is acting on humanitarian grounds, despite the limited support from other countries.
“Nobody’s helping out where we’re doing that because I think we have to on a humanitarian basis,” Trump added.
The president pointed out challenges in aid distribution, explaining some food supplies were being stolen and sold by bad actors, but said the U.S. has developed an effective system to reduce such problems.
“We have a pretty good system now, so we’re helping with that,” he said.
Trump acknowledged ongoing efforts to manage the crisis in Gaza and reiterated the U.S. commitment to sending aid.
“We’re working on Gaza, trying to get it taken care of and again, you know, a lot of food has been sent there,” Trump noted. “Other countries throughout the world should be helping also.”
His remarks came after he authorized U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear development sites, which he said helped bring an end to what he termed “the Twelve Day War” between Israel and Iran.
Trump declared a ceasefire between Israel and Iran following the strikes.
In addition to Gaza and Iran, Trump answered questions on other international issues.
When asked about weapons for Ukraine, Trump said he “may” approve Patriot missile systems to bolster Ukraine’s air defenses.
The president’s comments underline ongoing U.S. involvement in Middle East tensions and efforts to ease humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
No Ceasefire! UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!
Even Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill agreed on that!