President Donald Trump promised not to permit Israel to annex the West Bank as pressure mounts on the Jewish state to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“I will not allow it,” Trump told reporters Thursday at the White House. “There’s been enough. It’s time to stop now.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected at the White House on Monday to discuss an end to the war against Hamas sparked by the terrorist organization’s attacks against Israel on Oct. 7. 2023.
Trump’s comments come after the annual United Nations leaders summit this week was an impetus for the likes of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and then France to recognize Palestinian statehood amid concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
At the same time, Trump has criticized the recognition campaign as a “reward” for Hamas, using his address to the U.N. on Tuesday to demand that the terrorist organization release its remaining hostages.
“As the president stated, he would be rewarding Hamas and would be hindering efforts to bring home the hostages if he recognizes a Palestinian state, and he doesn’t think they should be rewarded,” a White House official told the Washington Examiner last weekend. “So he is not going to do that.”
Regardless, Israel has been condemned for its ground operation in Gaza City as conditions in the enclave worsen.
TRUMP BRINGS BOX OFFICE AND URGENCY TO UN
Before Netanyahu addresses the U.N. this week, Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon defended Israel’s response.
“Who is going to actually make sure that Hamas is not part of Gaza?” Danon told reporters. “The responsibility is on our shoulders. Israel is committed to continue this war until we bring back all the hostages and until Hamas is out of the game completely.”
