The Guardian view on Israel and Gaza highlights the threat of further humanitarian catastrophe as Donald Trump seeks peace with Iran while Benjamin Netanyahu's government escalates elsewhere, with Europe standing by.
Trump's Claims and Netanyahu's Actions
Donald Trump stated he can influence Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the war on Iran, but as the US president finalizes a deal with Tehran, Netanyahu appears intent on rekindling conflict elsewhere. Israel's brutal escalation in Lebanon may aim to gain ground or destabilize the Iran peace initiative, while prospects for Gaza grow grimmer.
Failed War and Expanding Operations
Despite killing another Hamas military chief, Israel's war has failed to destroy the group while causing immense civilian suffering. Israeli forces have expanded beyond agreed territory, attacking Palestinians in undefined zones and conducting airstrikes deeper into Gaza. Nickolay Mladenov, a Trump-appointed diplomat, blames Hamas for stalled ceasefires, while Netanyahu orders the military to take control of 70% of Gaza, forcing over 2 million Palestinians into less than a third of the already overcrowded territory.
Ethnic Cleansing Disguised as Voluntary Migration
Defense Minister Israel Katz reaffirms plans to expel Palestinians, terming it "voluntary migration." However, with homes destroyed, infrastructure in ruins, and shortages of food and medicine, leaving under military assault is not voluntary—it is ethnic cleansing. The choice between man-made catastrophe and exile is no choice at all.
Political Motivations and International Silence
Netanyahu and his coalition partners watch polls ahead of October elections, making their remarks potentially driven by domestic politics. Yet given the devastation, these declarations cannot be dismissed as mere rhetoric. International outrage over the treatment of Western activists contrasts sharply with silence on Palestinian abuse. Israel's UN ambassador complained about being added to a blacklist for sexual violence, while Hamas was listed after the October 7 atrocities.
Similarly, anger over Russia striking a Romanian apartment block contrasts with silence on Gaza attacks, where five children were killed on Eid al-Adha. Germany voiced "concern" about Israeli expansion, but toothless criticism leaves Israel unmoved. European governments, with little sway over Russia, could pressure ally and trade partner Israel.
Call for Action
If Trump wants to be a peacemaker, he must ensure Israel complies with his Gaza plan, allowing Palestinians to live in peace and reconstruction to begin. If Europe believes in a rules-based order, it must use leverage with Israel and end complicity in these crimes.
