Trump calls on Israel to ‘go in fast’ to Gaza City, makes no reference to ceasefire

US President Donald Trump on Friday appeared to give his backing for Israel’s assault on Gaza City, claiming that it would be “safer” for the captives if Israel attacked the urban centre home to 1 million Palestinians, most of whom were forcibly displaced from other parts of Gaza.

“I actually think they’re safer in many ways, if they went in fast and did it,” Trump said. 

Trump also accused Hamas of “extortion”. 

Trump’s comments again appear to suggest the US is fine with the status quo of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. He also suggested there would be no full ceasefire even if the remaining roughly 20 alive captives in Gaza are freed and that Israel would continue its genocide. 

“Hamas knows that if they give them that’s probably the end of their lives,” he said.