US Republicans allegedly back strikes on Gaza aid depots

Thursday 24 April 2025 - 09:32

By: Zahouani Ilham

US Republicans allegedly back strikes on Gaza aid depots

Far-right Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that senior Republican leaders in the United States expressed support for targeting aid facilities in Gaza. According to a post on social media, Ben-Gvir said this support came during a meeting at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. He claimed the officials agreed with his stance that bombing food and aid depots would exert pressure to secure the release of Israeli hostages.

Although US President Joe Biden was not present, Ben-Gvir did not specify which Republicans he met. His office, however, told Israeli media that Congressman Tom Emmer, a top-ranking Republican in the House of Representatives, was among those in attendance. Media outlets, including The Times of Israel, reported on Emmer's presence, citing both Ben-Gvir's office and event footage.

Emmer has been a prominent advocate for Israel in the US Congress, attributing the civilian toll in Gaza to Hamas rather than to Israeli actions. He has not responded to inquiries about whether he endorses Ben-Gvir’s proposal to target aid sites.

The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties, with the local Health Ministry reporting over 51,300 Palestinian deaths since October 7. The war began following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that left more than 1,100 people dead.

Ben-Gvir has consistently pushed for more aggressive military action. A settler in an illegal outpost in the West Bank, he supports reoccupying Gaza and has previously praised Trump’s plan for forcibly relocating Palestinian residents. He briefly left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in January over opposition to a ceasefire deal.