During an Oval Office press conference on Monday, President Trump made a bold prediction regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, suggesting the war would reach a “conclusive ending” within two to three weeks. The remarks came during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, where Trump addressed the protracted Middle Eastern crisis.
While expressing confidence in an imminent resolution, Trump acknowledged the region’s historical instability, noting that fighting has persisted “for thousands of years.” He emphasized the significance of the October 7 Hamas attack as the catalyst for the current conflict, which began in 2023, while asserting that his administration is “doing a very good job” in handling the situation.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced the administration’s stance during the press briefing, emphasizing that while they desire an end to the conflict, any resolution must result in Hamas’s complete elimination. This position aligns with the White House’s recent support for Israel’s renewed military campaign in Gaza City.
Trump’s timeline appears to suggest a complete military conquest and pacification of Gaza within the projected two to three-week period. However, he spoke somewhat dismissively of the ongoing operations, stating, “Right now, they’re talking about Gaza City. They’re always talking about something.” He urged for swift resolution, declaring, “You better get it settled soon,” while expressing concern about civilian, journalist, and medical worker casualties.
The president’s comments came amid reports of devastating attacks at Nasser hospital, where at least 20 people, including five journalists, were killed. Dr. Saber al-Asmar, who witnessed the attack from the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, described a horrific scene with “bodies everywhere” following airstrikes that targeted the facility’s operating room floor.
While Trump appears to be nudging Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu toward concluding the high-casualty military operations, he stopped short of suggesting any reduction in U.S. military aid or financial support to Israel.
The situation has prompted unprecedented discussions among European nations regarding potential punitive measures against Israel, with some countries considering sanctions for the first time. However, European capitals remain divided on concrete actions beyond symbolic gestures such as recognizing Palestinian statehood.
These developments coincide with controversial remarks from U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee to Israel, who addressed religious aspects of the conflict in recent statements to a rabbi, linking anti-Semitism to opposition to God.
Trump’s comments follow his earlier hawkish stance on Gaza from late July, when he insisted Hamas “didn’t really want to make a deal” and emphasized the need to “finish the job” and “clean it up.”
The ongoing military operations have raised significant humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding civilian infrastructure and medical facilities. The attack on Nasser hospital has highlighted the devastating impact on healthcare workers and patients, with medical staff struggling to maintain services with limited supplies while under fire.
The White House’s continued support for a military solution, coupled with Trump’s optimistic timeline for resolution, suggests a complex balancing act between backing Israel’s security objectives and addressing mounting international concern over civilian casualties and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.