Trump Urges Israel to "Finish the Job" in Gaza as Ceasefire Talks Collapse

International News: US President Donald Trump has said that Israel should step up its military operation in Gaza, stating that Hamas clearly doesn't want peace. “ Hamas didn’t want to make a deal. “I believe they have no intention of surviving,” Trump said before departing for Scotland. “The time has come to bring this to an end,” he added.

US Pulls Back from Peace Talks

The comments came shortly after Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced that the US was pausing its efforts in ceasefire negotiations to rethink its strategy. Trump blamed Hamas for rejecting a US-backed deal and said their refusal showed they preferred violence over peace.

Hostage Release Talks Hit a Wall

Trump, who helped secure the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, suggested that Hamas pulled away from talks because they feared the consequences once all hostages were freed. “They know what comes after the last hostage is out,” he said.

Netanyahu Considers "Other Options"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is now exploring other ways to reach its goals—freeing the remaining hostages and removing Hamas from power in Gaza. He supported Witkoff’s comments blaming Hamas for the deadlock.

Hamas Criticises US Statements

In response, senior Hamas leader Basem Naim said the talks had been progressing and accused the US envoy of making statements to benefit Israel. He said Hamas had made realistic offers but that Israel lacked the will to agree.

Qatar and Egypt Still Hopeful

Despite the setbacks, mediators Qatar and Egypt said some progress had been made. They stressed that pauses in talks were normal and that they remained committed to working with the US to reach a ceasefire deal.

Hunger and Starvation Worsen

The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with severe food and medical shortages affecting over 2.2 million residents. Aid agencies have warned of a man-made famine. Israeli restrictions, which were tightened in March and slightly eased in May, have severely limited aid delivery.

Criticism Over Airdrops

Gaza officials dismissed recent aid airdrops by Israel and other countries as insufficient. “We don’t need dramatic air displays,” said Ismail Al-Thawabta, head of the media office in Hamas-controlled Gaza. “We need open borders and regular aid trucks to save lives.”

Children at Risk as UN Food Supplies Dwindle

UN agencies reported that supplies of special food for malnourished children are nearly exhausted. They blame Israeli blockades for disrupting aid. Israel, however, claims it has allowed enough food in and accuses the UN of poor management—an allegation the UN denies.

UN Demands Proof of Israeli Claims

In a letter, UN aid chief Tom Fletcher asked Israel to provide evidence for claims that UN workers are linked to Hamas, as pressure grows on Israel over the worsening humanitarian crisis.

Deadly Strikes Hit School, Kill Journalist

At least 21 Palestinians lost their lives on Friday in Israeli airstrikes and gunfire. One of the strikes targeted a school where displaced families had taken shelter, and among those killed was journalist Adam Abu Harbid. His flak jacket marked “PRESS” was carried through the streets during his funeral.

Background: The War So Far

The war began after Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israeli towns on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Gaza's health ministry reports nearly 60,000 Palestinians have died, and large parts of the territory have been destroyed.