Trump says Gaza occupation ‘up to Israel’ as humanitarian crisis worsens

U.S. President Donald Trump stated Tuesday that a possible full Israeli reoccupation of Gaza would be "up to Israel," declining to explicitly support or oppose such a move. Trump emphasized his administration’s focus on humanitarian aid, with $60 million in U.S. assistance pledged for Gaza, and highlighted the roles of international and regional partners in distributing food relief. The White House remarks follow reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to pursue a full occupation of the Gaza Strip, a plan that has garnered criticism from some Israeli military officials and increased international pressure on Israel to address Gaza's humanitarian disaster.

• Why it matters: The decision—if implemented—could dramatically escalate the conflict, heighten the humanitarian crisis, and impact U.S. policy and global responses to the unfolding tragedy.

At least 38 Palestinians killed while seeking aid across Gaza, Health Ministry says

The Gaza Health Ministry reported Wednesday that at least 38 Palestinians have been killed while attempting to access humanitarian aid across the enclave. The victims, including women and children, were shot or crushed in chaotic aid distributions, reflecting the peril civilians face amidst ongoing siege and acute shortages of food and medical supplies. 

• Why it matters: The deaths highlight the extreme dangers facing Gaza’s civilians—not just from conflict, but from basic survival efforts—as starvation and violence take mounting tolls on the besieged population.

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