Egypt Daily News – As Israel escalates its military campaign in Gaza with the aim of taking “total control” of the territory, it faces growing pressure from some of its closest allies—including the United States. Amid increasing international concern over widespread starvation in Gaza, reports suggest the Trump administration has privately warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that continued war could lead to a loss of U.S. support.
According to a Washington Post report citing an anonymous source familiar with internal discussions, Trump’s representatives conveyed a stark message to Israel: the U.S. could “abandon” its longstanding ally if it fails to bring the war to an end.
“Trump’s people are letting Israel know, ‘We will abandon you if you do not end this war,’” the source claimed.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced this sentiment, stating, “The president wants the war in Gaza to end,” following last week’s surprise release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander—a deal reportedly brokered through direct U.S.-Hamas negotiations without Israel’s involvement.
The reported warning comes on the heels of Trump’s recent trip to the Middle East, where he notably bypassed a meeting with Netanyahu. Speaking to Arab leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, Trump condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza: “People are starving. Terrible things are happening there,” he said. Trump added that he had urged Netanyahu in a recent call to allow more food and medicine into the enclave.
Pressure Mounts from U.S. Allies
Beyond Washington, leaders of the U.K., France, and Canada issued a joint statement on Monday condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza and threatening consequences if the offensive does not stop. They criticized Israel’s blockade of aid and recent remarks by Netanyahu’s ministers advocating mass Palestinian displacement.
“If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response,” the statement warned. The leaders also reiterated their commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution.
Netanyahu Shifts Tone Under Pressure
In what appeared to be a response to growing global criticism, Netanyahu said Monday he would be willing to end the war under several conditions: the release of remaining hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, exile of its leadership, and the demilitarization of Gaza.
Netanyahu also acknowledged the need to prevent famine in Gaza “for practical and diplomatic reasons,” stating in a video posted on Telegram that “even friends of Israel will not tolerate images of mass starvation.”
This marked the first public admission by Israel of the food crisis in Gaza, despite repeated warnings from global aid organizations. Israel had imposed a full blockade on the territory since March 2.
Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations
In recent days, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff has reportedly pushed both Israel and Hamas to accept a new hostage and ceasefire deal. While talks have stalled, they mark a shift in U.S. strategy. Vice President J.D. Vance even canceled a planned visit to Israel, a move seen as reflecting Washington’s disapproval of current Israeli policy.
Israeli officials downplayed the pressure. “If the president wants a ceasefire deal, he needs to apply more pressure on both sides,” one said.
International Actions Escalate
On Monday, the British government announced it was suspending free trade negotiations with Israel and imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers involved in violence in the West Bank. The Israeli ambassador was also summoned to London.
Meanwhile, Israel began allowing limited aid into Gaza. A dozen trucks carrying baby food and supplies entered the enclave, after U.S. officials pressed Israel to ease its blockade.
The Bigger Picture
With over 55,000 Palestinians reported killed, and UN agencies warning of imminent famine, the humanitarian situation is dire. For Trump, according to one senior aide, the war is now a major obstacle to his broader regional goals.
“The President sees a real opportunity for peace and prosperity in the Middle East,” the aide said. “But the war in Gaza is the last hot spot—and he wants it to end.”
Still, Trump officials insist that U.S. support for Israel remains strong. “The President may be speaking firmly,” said hostage envoy Adan Boehler, “but our support is ironclad.”
