Quick Read
- U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Hamas ‘cannot stay’ in Gaza, emphasizing Israel’s right to defend itself.
- Türkiye has emerged as a critical mediator, encouraging Hamas to re-engage in ceasefire talks with Egyptian and Qatari officials.
- Satellite imagery revealed a buildup of Israeli military forces near Gaza, signaling preparations for a major ground offensive.
- Diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Israel persist, with differing views on Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
The conflict in Gaza has reached a critical juncture as Israel ramps up preparations for a significant ground offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas’s hold on Gaza City. U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced support for Israel’s position, stating that Hamas ‘cannot stay’ in Gaza, while Türkiye has emerged as a key mediator in ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Trump’s Position on the Gaza Conflict
In a phone interview with Axios on August 11, 2025, Trump stopped short of explicitly endorsing Israel’s planned military operation but emphasized the necessity of removing Hamas from Gaza. Referring to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis, he stated, “I have one thing to say: remember October 7, remember October 7.” Trump underscored that the release of hostages held by Hamas would be “very rough” under current conditions, urging continued pressure on the militant group.
Trump’s remarks followed a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which the two leaders discussed Israel’s plans to seize control of Gaza City. According to Axios, Netanyahu described the offensive as essential for defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages. However, the operation has drawn international criticism, with concerns about escalating humanitarian crises in the already devastated region.
Türkiye’s Role as a Mediator
While military strategies dominate headlines, diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire are also underway. Türkiye has taken on a significant role in these negotiations, hosting a senior Hamas delegation in Ankara before their return to Cairo for talks with Egyptian intelligence officials. Turkish officials have encouraged Hamas to re-engage with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, despite earlier frustrations over stalled negotiations in Qatar. An Israeli official told Türkiye Today, “The Turks have been very helpful,” acknowledging Türkiye’s unexpected contributions despite its historically strained ties with Israel.
Türkiye’s involvement aligns with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s broader ambition to position the country as a regional power broker. Ankara has emphasized the importance of preventing further civilian casualties while working toward a sustainable ceasefire, a stance that has gained cautious approval from international stakeholders.
Israel’s Military Preparations
On the ground, satellite imagery released by the Chinese firm MizarVision on August 7, 2025, revealed a significant buildup of Israeli military forces near the Gaza border. The images show a concentration of troops and equipment at the Karni crossing, signaling preparations for a large-scale ground assault. Israel’s security cabinet approved the operation on August 9, with Prime Minister Netanyahu outlining plans to dismantle Hamas and establish a civilian governance structure free from the militant group’s influence.
According to Newsweek, the buildup reflects Israel’s escalating military posture amid a fragile and volatile situation. The operation, however, risks exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where malnutrition and displacement are already widespread. Critics argue that a prolonged conflict could further strain Israel’s relations with allies, including the United States, which has expressed concerns about the humanitarian toll.
Diplomatic Efforts and Challenges
In addition to Türkiye’s mediation, other international players have been active in seeking a resolution. White House envoy Steve Witkoff met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani over the weekend to discuss a comprehensive deal that would include a 60-day ceasefire and provisions for post-war arrangements. However, achieving consensus remains challenging, as Hamas and Israeli negotiators struggle to bridge deeply entrenched divides.
Meanwhile, tensions between the U.S. and Israel have surfaced over differing assessments of Gaza’s humanitarian conditions. While Netanyahu has downplayed reports of starvation, Trump publicly contradicted him, stating, “I have seen images of children in Gaza who look very hungry. There is real starvation there, and you can’t fake that.” These disagreements underline the complexities of balancing military objectives with humanitarian concerns.
As the conflict intensifies, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can avert a broader escalation or if military operations will further deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.