Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Final Plan to ‘End the War’ in Gaza and ‘Defeat Hamas’

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The Israeli Prime Minister held talks with President Trump on Sunday, outlining a new military push to seize the remaining Hamas strongholds and thanking him for his ‘steadfast support’ amidst rising global criticism.

Washington, D.C. – August 10, 2025: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump held talks on Sunday to discuss a plan to take control of the remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza, with the stated goals of ending the war, securing the release of hostages, and defeating Hamas. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed the conversation, adding that Netanyahu expressed gratitude for Trump’s “steadfast support” throughout the conflict.

The meeting comes as Israel faces rising domestic and international pressure over its military operations in Gaza. Ahead of an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting, Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions, insisting that his country has “no choice but to finish the job.” He addressed claims of a starvation crisis, calling them a “global campaign of lies” and stating, “There is no hunger. There was no hunger. There was a shortage, and there was certainly no policy of starvation.”

Netanyahu also revealed a new, expanded military push, with the security cabinet ordering the dismantling of Hamas strongholds not just in Gaza City but also in the “central camps” and Muwasi. A source familiar with the operation confirmed that the plan covers both areas.

The Prime Minister declared, “Our goal is not to occupy Gaza, our goal is to free Gaza,” outlining a vision to demilitarize the territory and place governance in the hands of a non-Israeli civilian authority. In a notable shift, he also said he had instructed the military to “bring in more foreign journalists,” as reporters have so far only been allowed in under military escort.

In response, Hamas issued a lengthy statement, dismissing Netanyahu’s remarks as “blatant lies.”

At the UN Security Council, the US backed Israel, asserting its right to determine its own security measures and dismissing accusations of genocide in Gaza as unfounded. As a permanent member with veto power, the US can block any proposed measures.

Other council members and UN officials, however, voiced serious concern. China called the “collective punishment” of Gaza’s population unacceptable, and Russia cautioned against a “reckless intensification of hostilities.” Ramesh Rajasingham of the UN humanitarian office delivered a sobering message, stating, “This is no longer a looming hunger crisis; this is starvation… Humanitarian conditions are beyond horrific. We have frankly run out of words to describe it.”

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, which the UN regards as the most credible source of casualty figures, the death toll from the conflict stands at 61,400 Palestinians, with roughly half estimated to be women and children.