US President Donald Trump has expressed full support for Israel’s renewed air and ground operations in Gaza, holding Hamas responsible for the continued violence, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
“He fully supports Israel and the IDF and the actions that they’ve taken in recent days,” Leavitt told reporters when asked if Trump was working to reinstate a ceasefire.
Trump’s administration has blamed Hamas for the collapse of the temporary ceasefire, citing the group’s failure to release hostages. “The president made it very clear to Hamas that if they did not release all of the hostages there would be all hell to pay, and unfortunately, Hamas chose to play games in the media with lives,” Leavitt said.
Rising casualties in Gaza
Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that 504 people have been killed in Israel’s resumed offensive, including more than 190 children. The previous death toll stood at 470. The latest Israeli strikes shattered the fragile calm that had prevailed since a ceasefire was enforced on January 19.
Israel launched a fresh wave of attacks early Tuesday and escalated its ground operations on Wednesday, cutting off Gaza’s main north-south route. The Israeli military stated that its renewed assault aimed to dismantle Hamas’ operational infrastructure.
Hamas responds with rocket attacks
In its first military response to the escalating civilian toll, Hamas said it had fired rockets at Israel’s commercial hub, Tel Aviv, on Thursday. Israel has maintained that its military actions are focused on eliminating Hamas militants, whom it holds responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the ongoing conflict.
Hostage crisis remains a key issue
Trump’s administration has reiterated demands for the release of hostages held by Hamas, making it a condition for diplomatic intervention. “The situation is completely the fault of Hamas,” Leavitt said, emphasizing that the U.S. holds the Palestinian militant group accountable for the crisis.
Ceasefire uncertainty
While international mediators continue efforts to restore calm, the resumption of hostilities has dimmed prospects for a renewed ceasefire. With both sides intensifying military actions, the conflict in Gaza shows no signs of abating.
