Trump Urges End to Gaza War, Suggests U.S. Control of Region

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a desire to see the war in Gaza come to an end soon during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on April 7, 2025. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said, “I’d like to see the war stop, and I think the war will stop at some point, that won’t be in the too-distant future.”

The ongoing conflict began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken, according to Israeli sources. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza that has since killed over 50,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities.

Trump noted that efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas are continuing, but acknowledged the process is long and complex. Netanyahu, referencing a prior January ceasefire, said Israel is pursuing another deal to free remaining captives and reiterated his goal to eliminate Hamas. He emphasized allowing Gaza’s civilians to “freely make a choice to go wherever they want.”

Trump again floated his controversial plan for U.S. control of Gaza, calling it a “good thing,” and suggested relocating Gaza’s population to other countries. The proposal, previously condemned by international observers as a form of ethnic cleansing, remains a focal point of debate.

Netanyahu said Trump’s "bold vision" for the future of Gaza was among the key topics discussed during their meeting.

This latest development highlights ongoing international tensions and humanitarian concerns in the region, with both leaders promoting differing strategies to bring the conflict to a close.