Trump Backs Israel’s Plan to Open Gaza to Foreign Press – Here’s Why
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced plans to increase foreign journalists’ access to Gaza to highlight Israel’s operations and humanitarian efforts, with U.S. support. The decision aims to address the ongoing conflict with Hamas and the region’s humanitarian challenges while aligning with President Trump’s call for hostage release and Hamas’s elimination.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel will allow more foreign journalists into the Gaza Strip to provide greater transparency regarding ongoing operations and conditions there. Speaking at a press conference, he emphasized that the decision aligns with U.S. objectives and has the backing of President Donald Trump. The move comes amid Israel’s intensified military campaign to seize Gaza City, expected to continue until December 2025 or January 2026, and growing international scrutiny over the humanitarian situation in the region.
“I’ve ordered the military directly to bring in foreign journalists, more foreign journalists, a lot,” Netanyahu stated, clarifying that the directive was issued two days prior and will be implemented based on security conditions. He highlighted that these visits would allow journalists to witness Israel’s humanitarian efforts, including food distribution to civilians, as well as acts of resistance against Hamas by Gazans and the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) operations to dismantle terrorist infrastructure.
Addressing reported tensions with President Trump regarding Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, Netanyahu expressed gratitude for Trump’s unwavering support. He noted Trump’s stance, saying, “He says two things: He says all 20 hostages have to be released. And he says Hamas should not be there.” Of the 50 hostages still held by Gaza terror groups, only 20 are believed to be alive, intensifying the urgency of Israel’s operations.
Netanyahu further explained the shared perspective with Trump: “I think that like me, he recognizes the fact that there have been deprivations in Gaza caused by Hamas. Hamas has been the cause of that. And what we’re working together to overcome it.” The decision to allow more journalists aims to counter narratives blaming Israel for the crisis, showcasing efforts to address civilian needs while targeting Hamas. This move follows recent international cooperation, including airdrops of over 106 aid packages to Gaza by countries like the UAE, Jordan, and others, reflecting a broader effort to balance military and humanitarian objectives.