Analysts say Trump’s call for ceasefire is incomplete without using US leverage to push Israel to conclude negotiations.
Washington, DC – The White House says Donald Trump’s “utmost priority” in the Middle East is to end the war in Gaza. But as the United States president hosts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week, the two leaders have heaped praise on each other.
Meanwhile, Israel continues its assault on the Palestinian territory, where more than 57,575 people have been killed.
Analysts say that if Trump is truly seeking a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, he must leverage US military aid to Israel to pressure Netanyahu to agree to a deal.
Brian Finucane, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group nonprofit, drew a parallel between Trump’s mixed messaging and that of his predecessor, Joe Biden. Both men, he said, called for a ceasefire but showed unwillingness to press Israel to end the fighting.
