INTERNACIONAL
Trump: Hamas surrender, hostage release is ‘fastest way’ to end Gaza war
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
President Donald Trump on Thursday took to Truth Social with a stern message about Hamas, the remaining hostages and the unfolding crisis in Gaza.
«The fastest way to end the humanitarian crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!» the president posted.
Trump’s post shows a bit of a shift in his messaging on the war and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Recently, Trump appeared to put the onus on Israel and acknowledged that «there is real starvation in Gaza,» representing a rare break from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who delivered the exact opposite message.
President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a 60-day ceasefire could happen soon while in Washington, D.C. on July 9, 2025. (Image of Trump: Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images, Image of Netanyahu: JACK GUEZ/POOL/AFP via Getty Images, Image of Gaza: BASHAR TALEB/AFP via Getty Images,)
HAMAS PUSHES BACK ON TRUMP AND WITKOFF’S CRITICISMS, DEMANDS US PRESSURE ISRAEL
«There is no starvation in Gaza, no policy of starvation in Gaza, and I assure you that we have a commitment to achieve our war goals,» Netanyahu said in a video statement on X. He also doubled down on his commitment to get the hostages out and destroy Hamas’ military and governing capabilities.
«There are two ways to end the war: terminate Hamas or terminate the Jewish state,» Human Rights Voices President and Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust Anne Bayefsky told Fox News Digital. «The Europeans pretend there is a little-bit-pregnant solution, namely, decimate the Israel militarily, economically and politically and allow Palestinian terrorists to live to see another day… President Trump quite rightly says, hell no; the Palestinian terrorist machine needs to be ended for the sake of Israelis, Palestinians and the rest of us.»
Trump’s Thursday post comes as U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff meets with Netanyahu to discuss the potential for a ceasefire deal, as well as the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet in Jerusalem. (Courtesy of GPO)
ISRAEL, HAMAS TALKS DRAG AS AID GROUP CHAIR TELLS UN TO STOP ACTING LIKE THE ‘MAFIA’
Last week, ceasefire talks in Qatar broke down, leading the U.S. and Israel to pull their delegations of negotiators. Both countries cited Hamas’ response as the main reason for backing out. Witkoff said the terror group showed «a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza» and that Hamas was not «acting in good faith.»
«It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza,» Witkoff wrote on X.
Despite negotiations breaking down, the international community recently issued a declaration calling on Hamas to disarm, demanding that Israel leave the Strip and outlining a path to ending the bloody Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The «New York Declaration» was signed during a U.N. conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
The declaration, which was obtained and published by the Times of Israel, calls for the unification of Gaza and the West Bank under the control of the Palestinian Authority and for «the end of armed group control and the dismantlement of their military capabilities,» likely referring to Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups. Additionally, the document includes praise for efforts by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar to bring about an end to the war.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, co-chairs of a United Nations high-level international conference hosted by France and Saudi Arabia to work towards a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, listen to a question during a press briefing at U.N. headquarters in New York City, July 28, 2025. (REUTERS/Kylie Cooper)
OBAMA ISSUES RARE STATEMENT ON FOREIGN POLICY ISSUE
Bayefsky was not optimistic about the declaration, despite its apparent calls for peace and the end of Hamas rule.
«The New York Declaration is a no-holds-barred attack on the United States as well as Israel, intended to completely derail President Trump’s foreign policy and long-standing bipartisan commitment to a negotiated settlement,» she told Fox News Digital. «In this very long document that includes talk about Islamic claims, there is zero reference to a Jewish state, to Jews, or Jewish history – or to antisemitism, the driver of the Arab-Israeli conflict in the first place.»
«The Declaration says there will be a meeting in New York in September to get world leaders attending the opening of the General Assembly to sign on and give the president the proverbial middle finger,» Bayefsky added.
Israel Ambassador Danny Danon speaks to the members of the media before the United Nations Security Council meeting, following a ballistic missile attack on Israel, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, Oct. 2, 2024. (REUTERS/Stephani Spindel)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Israel objected to the declaration, while the U.S. stayed away from the conference, calling it «unproductive and ill-timed.»
«No token recognition and no U.N. resolution will change the basic fact that there are those in the world who fight terrorists and extremist forces and then there are those who turn a blind eye to them or resort to appeasement,» Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon said in a statement.
State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the conference was a «publicity stunt» that would «prolong the war, embolden Hamas and reward its obstruction and undermine real-world efforts to achieve peace.
middle east,world,israel,donald trump
INTERNACIONAL
World leaders split over military action as US-Israel strike Iran in coordinated operation
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
World leaders reacted swiftly Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, exposing a deep divide between governments backing the attack on Iran and those warning the attacks risk a wider regional war.
In a joint statement, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand voiced firm support saying, «Canada supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security.» The statement described Iran as «the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East» and stressed it «must never be allowed to obtain or develop nuclear weapons.»
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also endorsed the action, writing on X, «Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression.» He confirmed Australia supports «the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,» while activating emergency consular measures and urging Australians to leave Iran if safe.
The United Kingdom said Iran «must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.» U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said he was speaking with the leaders of France and Germany «as part of a series of calls with allies.»
A person holds an image of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Iranian demonstrators protest against the U.S.-Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, Feb. 28, 2026. (Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) )
French President Emmanuel Macron warned, «The outbreak of war between the United States, Israel and Iran carries grave consequences for international peace and security.» He added, «The ongoing escalation is dangerous for all. It must stop,» and called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described developments as «perilous,» saying Iran’s «ballistic missile and nuclear programmes… pose a serious threat to global security,» while emphasizing that «Protection of civilians and international humanitarian law is a priority.»
Spain openly rejected the strikes. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said, «We reject the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order.»
Meanwhile, Gulf states responded to reported Iranian missile activity.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said, «The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in strongest terms the blatant Iranian aggression and the flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.» It affirmed «its full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly countries» and warned of «grave consequences resulting from the continued violation of states’ sovereignty and the principles of international law.»
The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defense said the country «was subjected to a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles,» adding that air defense systems «successfully intercepted a number of missiles.» Authorities said falling debris in a residential area caused «one civilian death of an asian nationality» and material damage.
The ministry called the attack «a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the safety of civilians and undermines stability,» and stated the UAE «reserves its full right to respond.»
UN’S ATOMIC AGENCY’S IRAN POLICY GETS MIXED REVIEWS FROM EXPERTS AFTER US-ISRAEL ‘OBLITERATE’ NUCLEAR SITES
Smoke rises after reported Iranian missile attacks, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, Feb. 28, 2026. (Reuters)
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar «strongly condemned the unwarranted attacks against Iran» and called for «urgent resumption of diplomacy.»
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held calls with counterparts across the region, a Turkish Foreign Ministry source told Reuters. The discussions focused on «possible steps to be taken to help bring an end to the attacks.»
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly linked the developments to Russia’s war against his country.
«Although Ukrainians never threatened Iran, the Iranian regime chose to become Putin’s accomplice and supplied him with ‘shahed’ drones,» Zelenskyy wrote, adding that Russia has used «more than 57,000 shahed-type attack drones against the Ukrainian people.»
«It is important that the United States is acting decisively,» he said. «Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken.»
Russia sharply criticized the operation. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said, «All negotiations with Iran are a cover operation.»
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
An interception is visible in the sky over Haifa during the latest barrage. (Anthony Hershko/TPS-IL)
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned, «We will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity.»
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the strike «is not in line with international law.»
Reuters contributed to this report.
Related Article
iran,us,israel,donald trump,wars,bombings,united nations,europe,middle east,russia,volodymyr zelenskyy,united kingdom,the european union
Dos detonaciones han estremecido la capital iraní este sábado por la mañana. “El Estado de Israel lanzó un ataque preventivo contra Irán. El ministro de Defensa, Israel Katz, declaró el estado de emergencia especial e inmediato en todo el país”, indicó la oficina del ministro en un comunicado.
Según periodistas de AFP presentes en el lugar, el sonido de las explosiones se percibió con claridad, mientras columnas de humo emergían tanto en el centro como en el este de Teherán. “La naturaleza de las explosiones sugiere que se trata de un ataque con misiles”, señaló la agencia de prensa Fars.
El Ministerio de Defensa de Israel informó este sábado que lanzó un “ataque preventivo” contra Irán, mientras sonaban sirenas de emergencia en Jerusalén y la población recibía alertas telefónicas sobre una amenaza “extremadamente grave” en todo el país. Estados Unidos también inició ataques “de gran envergadura” contra Irán, y Trump afirmó a la población que “la hora de su libertad está al alcance de la mano”.
Por otra parte, la agencia Isna informó que una de las columnas de humo se observaba cerca del emblemático barrio Pasteur, en cuya zona se localizan tanto la residencia el ayatollah Ali Khamenei, como la sede presidencial, lo que subraya la sensibilidad estratégica del área.
El presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, ofreció este sábado a los dirigentes militares del régimen iraní la opción de recibir “inmunidad” o enfrentarse una “muerte segura”.
Las autoridades israelíes anunciaban poco después la detección de “misiles lanzados desde Irán”, precedidos por sirenas que sonaban en distintas áreas del país. Enviaban debido a esto un mensaje a los teléfonos móviles de los ciudadanos urgiéndolos a buscar refugio. Poco después, ya se habían reportado las primeras explosiones sobre Jerusalén, según la AFP. En Teherán, un importante dispositivo de las fuerzas iraníes de seguridad bloquean varias calles alrededor del barrio en el que se encuentra la residencia del Ayatollah Jamenei.
También se han escuchado sirenas sobre Amman, capital de Jordania, cuya dirección de seguridad pública advierte: “El significado de las sirenas será el siguiente: tres sirenas intermitentes indican que hay una amenaza, y una sola sirena significa que la amenaza ha pasado. Cuando escuche las tres sirenas, debe refugiarse en el edificio más cercano hasta que la amenaza haya pasado”. La respuesta de Irán, por el momento, incluye ataques contra los Emiratos Árabes Unidos, Catar, Baréin, Kuwait y Arabia Saudita.
Los bombardeos fueron confirmados por el Ministerio de Defensa israelí y el presidente Donald Trump. El país hebreo declaró el estado de emergencia y el cierre de su espacio aéreo
Civil Conflict,Demonstrations,Riots,Europe,Civil Unrest
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
As one of Israel’s staunchest defenders from the left, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., full-throatedly endorsed President Donald Trump’s attacks on Iran as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle reacted Saturday morning.
«President Trump has been willing to do what’s right and necessary to produce real peace in the region,» Fetterman wrote on X. «God bless the United States, our great military, and Israel.»
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., one of Congress’ biggest backers of bold military action, is hailing President Donald Trump as a «man of peace,» and «evil’s worst nightmare.»
«As I watch and monitor this historic operation, I’m in awe of President Trump’s determination to be a man of peace but at the end of the day, evil’s worst nightmare,» Graham wrote Saturday morning on X in a string of posts. «Well done, Mr. President.»
Trump’s U.S. military armada in the Middle East, working in concert with Israel, is targeting military targets and ballistic missile sites that pose an «imminent threat,» a U.S. official told Fox News Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin.
The U.S. military is not targeting Iran’s leadership, but Israel is, the official added.
Strikes hit the compound home of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, in downtown Tehran on Saturday morning.
And Trump issued a video statement on social media, urging Iranian people to get out of the way for now, but «when we are finished, take over your government; It will be yours to take.»
«God bless @POTUS for planning and now executing Operation Epic Fury, making America more safe and eventually more prosperous,» Graham added. «I seek God’s protection for all under President Trump’s command, as well as our allies in Israel.
LINDSEY GRAHAM CALLS FOR US TO USE ‘ANY MEANS NECESSARY’ TO STOP THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE KILLING OF IRANIANS
«My mind is racing with the thought that the murderous ayatollah’s regime in Iran will soon be no more.
While reports of explosions happened hours earlier, Graham posted his first support for the actions after 3 a.m. ET, calling the «operation is necessary and long justified.»
«The biggest change in the Middle East in a thousand years is upon us,» Graham added in his second post on X. «The likelihood of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel getting back on track is exceedingly high – a subject I brought up last week to the key players in the region who concurred if the ayatollah goes down, historic peace advances.»
As the attacks were under way and battle damage assessments were yet to come, Graham delivered his prayers to the troops undertaking the operation.
«As to the men and women participating in this operation for our country and Israel, may God bless you and keep you safe,» he wrote. «If you are injured or fall, I believe with all my heart that your sacrifice makes your country and the world a better and safer place. This moment is why you chose to serve.
«This operation has been well-planned. It will be violent, extensive and I believe, at the end of the day, successful. Again the demise of the ayatollah’s regime with American blood on its hands is necessary and more than justified.»
MORNING GLORY: WHAT WILL PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP DECIDE TO DO WITH IRAN?
The U.S. has authorized non-essential embassy personnel to leave Israel amid escalating tensions with Iran. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Iranian Leader Press Office/Anadolu via Getty Images)
And, one of Trump’s long-time Republican critics, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., also posted on X, noting Trump has not sought congressional approval – although there was a briefing held with the Gang of Eight earlier this week.
«Acts of war unauthorized by Congress,» Massie wrote on X.
Senate Armed Forces Committee Chair Roger Wicker, R-Miss., praised the «decisive action» against «the world’s leading proliferator of terrorism.»
«This is a pivotal and necessary operation to protect Americans and American interests,» Wicker wrote in a statement. «The president has stated the operation’s goals clearly: thwart permanently the ayatollahs’ desire to create a nuclear weapon, degrade their ballistic missile force and their production capacity, and destroy their naval and terrorism capabilities.
«These are the hardest decisions that face any American commander-in-chief, and I appreciate that President Trump and his team conducted a comprehensive strategy using all tools of national power and a well-orchestrated military planning process.»
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The time to strike was now, according to Wicker.
«The Iranian regime has never been weaker,» he added. «Without the use of military force against them, Iran’s ayatollahs would simply continue to grow their ability to threaten Americans and our interests, working in concert with the Chinese Communist Party, the Russian dictator Putin, North Korea, and other terrorist allies.
«The ayatollahs have mortgaged the economic future of ordinary Iranians to engage in their obsessive and apocalyptic vision.
Most importantly, I commend the brave men and women of our armed forces, who continue to demonstrate a level of operational proficiency unrivaled the world over. That fact will be evident in the coming days. Thanks to them, Americans are safer – not just today, but for generations to come.»
Related Article
defense,house of representatives politics,foreign policy senate,donald trump
World leaders split over military action as US-Israel strike Iran in coordinated operation
El Gobierno elevó el nivel de seguridad en todo el país tras la operación militar de EEUU e Israel contra Irán
Pokémon Café ReMix ha recibido este nuevo evento centrado en Venusaur – Nintenderos
Cuándo cobro ANSES: el calendario de pagos para jubilados, beneficiarios de AUH y planes sociales en marzo 2026
Gimnasia vs. Rosario Central: formaciones, hora y dónde ver por tv
Estelita Muñoz lo tiene acorralado a Jorge Rial y amenazó con contar su peor escándalo privado: «Fui testigo»
Jorge Macri prepara su discurso para abrir el año legislativo: el deseo de reelección y el espejo en Bukele
Crisis en la industria: otra multinacional se achica y cierra una planta en la Argentina
Alarma por la salud de Divina Gloria tras salir de Gran Hermano: “La internaron directamente en terapia intensiva”
Catherine Fulop contó el difícil momento que atraviesa su madre en Venezuela: “Está postrada”
ECONOMIA3 días agoCrisis en la industria: otra multinacional se achica y cierra una planta en la Argentina
- CHIMENTOS2 días ago
Alarma por la salud de Divina Gloria tras salir de Gran Hermano: “La internaron directamente en terapia intensiva”
- CHIMENTOS3 días ago
Catherine Fulop contó el difícil momento que atraviesa su madre en Venezuela: “Está postrada”
