US President Donald Trump stated that he expects the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip to end within the next two to three weeks, without providing details on how the conflict will conclude. During a meeting in the Oval Office with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Trump said, “I think within the next two to three weeks we will see a somewhat decisive end.” He noted frequent communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing that he told him the war must end soon. Trump also highlighted the efforts of US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff regarding humanitarian aid, specifically working on the release of hostages held in Gaza and providing food amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in the blockaded territory. These remarks come as Israel expands its ground military operations in Gaza, according to Netanyahu.

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said last week that the expanded operation requires calling up an additional 60,000 reservists and extending the service of another 20,000, with initial phases of the expanded military plan already underway. Since October 2023, Gaza has witnessed a devastating war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, while a severe humanitarian crisis worsens due to the Israeli blockade and shortages of food and medicine, according to UN reports.