Washington, June 25, 2025 – US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about resolving the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, linking recent US military actions against Iran to potential progress in the region.
Speaking on Wednesday, Trump stated, “I think great progress is being made on Gaza, I think because of this attack that we made.” He suggested that the US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, conducted over the weekend, could positively influence the Middle East dynamics, including the Gaza situation. The strikes targeted key sites such as Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, aiming to curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities, though early intelligence assessments indicate the core components of Iran’s nuclear program remain intact, setting it back by only months.
The Gaza conflict, which intensified following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has seen relentless Israeli military operations, resulting in over 37,953 Palestinian deaths and 87,266 injuries as of July 2024, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Hamas, a key Iranian ally, has been significantly weakened, with its leadership decimated and infrastructure devastated. Trump’s remarks come as Israel continues its campaign in Gaza, with recent reports of intensified strikes killing dozens, including at least 84 people in Gaza City overnight.
While Trump’s comments suggest a connection between the Iran strikes and Gaza progress, the specifics of any advancements remain unclear. Hamas condemned the US strikes, calling them a “dangerous escalation” and a violation of international law, reflecting ongoing tensions with Iran-backed groups. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to defeating Hamas and securing hostages, with 50 still held in Gaza, 20 believed to be alive. Efforts to expand the fragile Israel-Iran ceasefire to include Gaza have been proposed by hostage families, but no concrete agreement has emerged.
The international community remains divided, with some expressing alarm over the US strikes and others, like Israeli leaders, praising the action. As Gaza faces a deepening humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by Israel’s aid blockade, Trump’s claim of progress has sparked cautious hope but awaits tangible outcomes.
