Ben-Gvir claims US Republicans support bombing Gaza aid depots

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir claimed that senior US Republican lawmakers, including House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, expressed support for his position that bombing food and aid depots in Gaza would help pressure Hamas to release Israeli hostages. Ben-Gvir made the remarks after attending a private dinner at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, where he asserted that Republican officials backed his call for such military action. However, none of the reports provided confirmation from the US lawmakers themselves regarding their support for Ben-Gvir’s specific proposal. The statements have sparked controversy, as bombing aid depots could worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over 51,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict intensified in October 2023. The US President was not present at the event, and a spokesperson for Emmer did not respond to requests for comment. The incident highlights ongoing divisions over US policy toward Israel's actions in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there.