White House avoids giving a clear answer to Israel's statement on fully occupying Gaza

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke at the daily press briefing.

When asked whether Trump supports or feels comfortable with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's statement that they will take control of all of Gaza, Leavitt replied, "I would have to speak with the President about that. I think that statement just came in. I will leave that to the President to speak to."

While Leavitt avoided making a direct comment on Netanyahu's statement, she stated that Trump clearly wants to see the conflicts in the region end and all hostages released.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had announced that they would occupy the entire Gaza Strip following the decision made at the cabinet meeting last night to allow the passage of "a basic amount of food" to prevent famine in Gaza.

Publishing a video on his social media account, Netanyahu stated for the first time that they would occupy the entire Gaza Strip, saying, "We will take over the entire Gaza Strip. We will let aid through because we are approaching the red line."

US MESSAGE: '100 PERCENT COMMITTED TO THE RED LINE'

At the press briefing, the White House Press Secretary also described Trump's trip to Middle Eastern countries last week as a "historic tour," claiming that the President is reshaping the foreign policy agenda in the region.

Leavitt said, "The President has strengthened our ties with our Gulf partners and put Iran in a very difficult position because the United States is back."

Regarding a question about ongoing negotiations on Iran, Leavitt stated that the Trump administration has conveyed to the Iranian side their determination that Tehran must not enrich uranium at any level, adding, "We are 100 percent committed to our red line on this."

Regarding Ukraine, Leavitt also reminded that Trump will hold a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin today, saying, "The President is working overtime to end both the conflicts in Israel and Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine War by acting as quickly as possible."

At the press briefing, Leavitt also shared the information that Trump invited the American Pope to the White House as soon as possible with a letter delivered by Vice President JD Vance during his private meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.

Vice President Vance had gone to the Vatican yesterday to attend Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass and was received by Pope Leo XIV this morning for a bilateral meeting.

News Source: AA