U.S. Support Fuels Israel’s Military Expansion in Gaza Amid Hostage Negotiations

U.S. Support Fuels Israel’s Military Expansion in Gaza Amid Hostage Negotiations

Nearly a month into Israel’s renewed military operations in Gaza, the influence of U.S. backing is evident across various fronts—militarily, diplomatically, and politically. High-ranking Israeli officials suggest that the prospects for a hostage deal have significantly improved, with expectations for potential developments in the upcoming weeks.

During a meeting on Monday in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump stood alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating, “We are trying very hard to get the hostages out. We’re looking at another ceasefire. We’ll see what happens.” These remarks underscore Trump’s multifaceted strategy, which combines continued diplomatic pressure on Iran with unwavering military support for Israel’s Gaza campaign.

Israeli officials have indicated that they now operate with a “free hand” in the region, permitting an expansion of military actions into Rafah and the strategically vital Morag Corridor. The intent behind these operations is to escalate pressure on Hamas and facilitate the release of the remaining 59 hostages.

Cooperation with the United States

A senior Israeli security official informed Fox News Digital that the ongoing military campaign is being executed in close coordination with U.S. authorities. Everything, including negotiations and operational activity, is aligned. The primary objective remains the safe return of the hostages. Officials express confidence stating that they possess a free hand for military operations, no longer constrained by UN Security Council veto threats as faced in previous administrations.

This official pointed out a noticeable shift in U.S. humanitarian policy, viewing it as a method to increase Israeli leverage. “Unlike the previous administration, the U.S. is not forcing 350 aid trucks into Gaza every day. This gives us leverage,” the official explaining that the reduction of aid would diminish Hamas’s control over the population.

Military Operations Expand

On Saturday, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz declared that the Israel Defense Forces, IDF, have successfully gained control over the Morag Axis. This corridor, which separates Rafah from Khan Younis, is crucial for creating a new buffer zone and diminishing Hamas’s operational capacity. Katz explained that the more territory lost to Hamas, the higher the probability of reaching a compromise regarding hostage negotiations.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reinforced this tactical strategy during a recent visit to frontline units. He instructed soldiers to decisively defeat the Rafah Brigade and achieve victory in their theaters of operation. Although the IDF reported dismantling the Rafah Brigade in September, forces have returned to critical strongholds where extensive tunnel networks continue to pose a threat.

Challenges Faced by Gazans

In his announcement, Katz warned the citizens of Gaza that Hamas is incapable of safeguarding them or their territory. He claimed that Hamas leaders are hiding in tunnels or living in luxurious accommodations abroad while using civilians as human shields. Katz urged Gazans to rise against Hamas and to demand the release of the Israeli hostages, asserting that doing so could potentially halt the ongoing conflict.

Reinforcing their shared perspectives, Trump and Netanyahu discussed core issues in their Oval Office meeting. Netanyahu indicated that Gazans should have the freedom to choose their destinations, hinting at renewed talks surrounding resettlement in third countries. Trump went further, suggesting a U.S. presence in Gaza, contending that U.S. control over the Strip would serve as an effective peacekeeping measure.

Evaluating Military Strategy

Javed Ali, a former senior director at the U.S. National Security Council and currently a professor at the University of Michigan, provided a nuanced analysis of Israel’s military strategy. He noted that after nearly a month of intensified IDF operations against Hamas, the focus has shifted toward clearing and holding remaining pockets of Hamas resistance, which, unfortunately, displaces many Palestinians during the process.

It remains uncertain how Israel plans to manage or govern the cleared areas. Ali draws parallels to American experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, where similar strategies faced complications due to insurgent tactics and guerrilla warfare methods.

Humanitarian Concerns and International Responses

While the Biden administration previously emphasized the need for humanitarian access, Ali noted that this current administration has not exerted significant pressure on Israel to minimize its military operations. He posited that this stance could change, especially if humanitarian conditions deteriorate or negotiations around Iran’s nuclear program show progress. If such discussions advance, it’s probable that Iran may urge the U.S. to rein in Israel’s actions against Hamas to maintain the group’s viability.

On the ground, Israel is actively altering the humanitarian landscape. Under Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir’s direction, measures restricting Hamas’s access to aid illustrate a broader transformation in policy, as the military now oversees the distribution of essential supplies directly. An Israeli security official stated that allowing Hamas to regain control of aid would reinstate their lifeline and strengthen their grip on power within Gaza.

Condemnations from Global Leaders

International leaders and humanitarian organizations have condemned Israel’s actions. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, during a statement on April 8, criticized the ongoing blockade of aid, stating that Gaza has become a killing field with civilians trapped in a continuous cycle of death.

In response, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein dismissed Guterres’s claims as falsehoods. He highlighted that over 25,000 aid trucks had entered Gaza during the previous ceasefire period, asserting that Hamas has hoarded this aid to rebuild its military capabilities. He emphasized that there is no shortage of humanitarian aid, insisting that Gazans are voicing their desire for an end to Hamas’s control.

The Road Ahead

Eugene Kontorovich, a senior legal scholar, argues that evidence does not support claims of starvation in Gaza but rather points to Hamas’s misappropriation of aid supplies. As military and diplomatic frameworks converge, Israeli officials remain cautiously optimistic that ongoing negotiations may soon yield positive results.