For US President Donald Trump, it's up to Israel to decide what to do next in Gaza -- meaning Washington is offering quiet support for its ally's plans to expand the offensive in the war-wracked Palestinian territory.

While numerous European and Arab capitals urged Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday to reconsider his decision to "take control" of Gaza City, Trump this week has effectively given the Israeli prime minister free rein -- even if it means pushback from the international community.

After nearly two years of devastating conflict, Israel's security cabinet approved Netanyahu's plan to "defeat" Hamas, which triggered the war with its October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel.

Before Israel's announcement, when asked if he could support such a plan, Trump told reporters at the White Ho

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