Introduction: America’s Unshakable Influence in the Middle East
For decades, the Middle East has been a stage where global power struggles play out, and at the center of this stage often stands the United States. With its military presence, diplomatic reach, and financial aid, America has shaped conflicts and peace agreements alike.
When Donald Trump returned to the presidency, many analysts wondered how his approach would differ from past administrations, particularly Joe Biden’s more cautious diplomacy. In recent months, Trump has once again become the defining figure in discussions about the ongoing Gaza war — not because of restraint, but because of his uncompromising support for Israel and his sharp demands directed at Hamas.
From ordering ceasefires by phone to threatening allies with tariffs over their Middle East positions, Trump’s policies have reignited global debates about U.S. leverage, international law, and the moral responsibilities of superpowers.
Chapter 1: Trump’s History of Middle East Interventions
Trump’s involvement in the Middle East has always been marked by bold, sometimes controversial moves. During his first term, he:
-
Recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved the U.S. embassy there, sparking global criticism.
-
Brokered the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations — a move seen as historic, though criticized for sidelining Palestinians.
-
Maintained a hardline stance on Iran, withdrawing from the nuclear deal and imposing heavy sanctions.
In June of this year, Trump demonstrated his influence in dramatic fashion. As Israel prepared for a wave of airstrikes against Iran, Trump ordered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — through both a direct phone call and a public social media post — to call them off. Within hours, the strikes were canceled, effectively sealing a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
This intervention reminded the world that Trump could exert unparalleled influence over Israel — and that he was willing to use it.
Chapter 2: The Gaza Conflict and Trump’s Stance
The situation in Gaza, however, has been starkly different. Unlike his active role in halting strikes on Iran, Trump has not pressured Israel to halt its military operations in Gaza.
Instead, his message has been directed firmly at Hamas: release the hostages.
While previous U.S. administrations, including Biden’s, tried to balance support for Israel with diplomatic nudges toward restraint, Trump’s strategy has been clear, direct, and one-sided. He has avoided public calls for Israeli concessions, instead doubling down on unwavering military and political support.
This has created both admiration and alarm.
-
Admiration among Israeli leaders, who see Trump as a reliable ally.
-
Alarm among international observers, who worry that unchecked U.S. backing could prolong the conflict, deepen humanitarian crises, and isolate Washington from other global powers.
Chapter 3: Billions in Arms and Diplomatic Shielding
Under Trump, U.S. support for Israel has gone far beyond rhetoric. Billions of dollars’ worth of arms have flowed to Israel, fueling its military campaign in Gaza.
But perhaps more consequential has been America’s role on the diplomatic battlefield:
-
Blocking or vetoing UN resolutions that called for ceasefires.
-
Sanctioning international judges investigating alleged Israeli war crimes.
-
Suppressing campus protests across the United States by increasing federal scrutiny.
-
Even threatening Canada with tariffs after Ottawa voiced support for ending the war.
This demonstrates a broader theme: Trump’s America is willing to isolate itself diplomatically in order to protect Israel’s military operations.
Chapter 4: Global Reactions and Waning Western Unity
Over 30 Western-aligned nations, including much of Europe, have called for the war to end. Their calls, however, pale compared to America’s decisive influence.
France, Germany, and the UK have all expressed concerns about the scale of destruction in Gaza, but without U.S. backing, their diplomatic weight is limited.
This raises a troubling question:
If America remains firmly on Israel’s side, can any international pressure actually succeed in halting the war?
So far, the answer seems to be no.
Chapter 5: Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis
While the political battles rage, Gaza continues to suffer. Reports estimate:
-
Tens of thousands of civilian casualties.
-
Entire neighborhoods flattened by airstrikes.
-
Scarcity of food, water, and medical supplies.
-
Nearly all of Hamas’s top leadership and thousands of fighters eliminated.
Observers describe the Gaza war as one of the deadliest and most destructive military onslaughts since World War II. For many humanitarian organizations, Trump’s refusal to press for restraint represents a devastating blow to the prospects of protecting civilians.
Chapter 6: Comparing Biden and Trump
To understand Trump’s policies more clearly, it’s useful to compare them to Biden’s approach:
-
Biden: Tried to balance support for Israel with humanitarian pauses and diplomatic nudges toward ceasefire. His pressure, however, was limited and largely unsuccessful.
-
Trump: Avoids balancing. He supports Israel without hesitation, demanding only that Hamas surrender and release hostages.
This contrast highlights the difference between cautious diplomacy and decisive loyalty. Whether that decisiveness is stabilizing or destabilizing is a matter of fierce debate.
Chapter 7: Trump’s Predictions and Rhetoric
On Tuesday, Trump made headlines by telling reporters that there might be a “conclusive ending” in Gaza within the next two to three weeks. He did not elaborate.
This vague statement sparked speculation:
-
Does Trump know of an imminent Israeli military victory?
-
Could he be signaling diplomatic efforts behind the scenes?
-
Or is this another instance of Trump’s bold rhetoric outpacing actual policy?
Regardless, the message was clear: Trump believes the war must end soon — but on terms favorable to Israel.
Chapter 8: The Ripple Effects on U.S. Politics
Domestically, Trump’s Middle East policies have fueled heated debates.
-
Supporters argue that he is the strongest U.S. president for Israel in history, ensuring the safety of America’s closest ally in the region.
-
Critics say his one-sided approach risks alienating allies, inflaming anti-American sentiment in the Muslim world, and worsening humanitarian disasters.
On college campuses, protests have surged, with students demanding the U.S. stop arming Israel. In Congress, a small but growing faction has begun questioning the blank-check support for Israeli military campaigns.
Yet, Trump’s political base remains steadfast. For many conservative voters, his uncompromising stance embodies strength, loyalty, and clarity — qualities they felt were lacking under Biden.
Chapter 9: The Larger Geopolitical Picture
Beyond Israel and Gaza, Trump’s policies are shaping the broader Middle East:
-
Iran remains a looming threat, though weakened by sanctions and military losses.
-
Arab nations that signed the Abraham Accords are carefully watching, weighing whether to maintain ties with Israel amidst the Gaza bloodshed.
-
Russia and China have positioned themselves as alternative mediators, criticizing U.S. dominance while quietly strengthening their own influence.
The outcome of the Gaza war will determine not only the future of Palestinians and Israelis but also the balance of power in the Middle East — and by extension, global politics.
Chapter 10: What Comes Next?
Trump insists that the conflict “does have to end.” But ending a war is rarely as simple as declaring victory.
-
If Hamas is fully destroyed, who will govern Gaza?
-
Will Israel remain as an occupying force, or will international actors step in?
-
Could Trump pressure Arab nations to take responsibility for Gaza’s reconstruction?
These questions remain unanswered. What is clear is that any solution will require U.S. involvement. Without America’s blessing, no ceasefire or peace deal can stick.
Conclusion: A President of Contrasts
Donald Trump’s role in the Gaza war demonstrates the contradictions of his foreign policy. On one hand, he can halt airstrikes with a single phone call, showcasing U.S. dominance. On the other, he refuses to pressure Israel into restraint, prolonging suffering in Gaza.
To his supporters, Trump is a strong leader who protects allies and punishes enemies. To his critics, he is a reckless president who fuels wars rather than ends them.
But love him or hate him, one fact is undeniable:
No other nation — and no other leader — has the power to shape the Middle East quite like Donald Trump.
And in the weeks to come, as the war in Gaza reaches its next stage, the world will once again look to Washington, wondering what orders, phone calls, or tweets will come next.