Trump Pressure Could End Gaza War, But No Signs He’s Willing

As the recent flare-up between Israel and Iran appears to have cooled following reported pressure from Washington, attention is once again turning to the relentless Israeli military campaign in Gaza. The sharp contrast between US engagement in the Iran front and its stance on Gaza has raised pressing questions: Could Donald Trump, should he return to power or even now as a dominant political figure, pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war in Gaza — and does he want to?

Mairav Zonszein, a senior Israel analyst at the International Crisis Group, believes Trump has the leverage. “If Trump wants to, he can get Netanyahu to stop this war,” she told Al Jazeera. But the record so far suggests that Trump — and even the Biden administration — have chosen not to use that influence, instead continuing to provide political cover and military support.

“The US has given Israel weapons and impunity to do whatever it wants in Gaza,” Zonszein noted.

Carte Blanche for Israel in Gaza

Unlike the situation with Iran, where a dangerous escalation seemed to be defused with high-level diplomacy and pressure, Gaza has seen nothing but sustained airstrikes, mass civilian casualties, and a mounting humanitarian catastrophe. Rights groups report that entire families have been wiped out, while aid groups face near-impossible conditions delivering food and medicine.

Trump, during his presidency, was among Netanyahu’s strongest allies. He relocated the US embassy to Jerusalem, cut aid to Palestinians, and gave broad support to Israeli military policies. With his possible return to the White House in 2025, analysts believe his stance on Gaza may remain unchanged unless new interests emerge.

Zonszein emphasized that US action is often tied to strategic calculations. “I don’t see a US president stopping that, unless he has interests that directly conflict,” she said. For now, she adds, Trump is allowing Israel “carte blanche.”

Global Pressure Grows, But US Remains Silent

Despite international condemnation, including from the UN and several human rights organizations, the US has avoided placing any significant pressure on Israel regarding its operations in Gaza. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis has deepened, with over 35,000 Palestinians reportedly killed, hundreds of thousands displaced, and infrastructure in ruins.

The contrast between swift diplomatic efforts in the Israel-Iran conflict and the passive US approach to Gaza is striking. Critics say Washington’s selective diplomacy only reinforces the double standards that fuel resentment across the Middle East.

As the Biden administration faces increasing scrutiny and Trump remains vocal in support of Israel, the Palestinian people see little sign of relief. Unless US policy shifts dramatically — driven by public pressure or new strategic interests — the cycle of violence in Gaza is likely to continue.

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