Gaza: The US Policy Record

Palestinian Deaths

50,000+

As of March 2026. Gaza Health Ministry. Approximately 70% women and children.

Displaced Persons

1.9 million

Approximately 90% of Gaza's population displaced at peak.

Israeli Deaths (Oct 7)

~1,200

Killed in the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. ~250 taken hostage.

ICJ Status

Active

Genocide case brought by South Africa. Provisional measures issued Jan 2024.

Unconditional Military Support

The United States provided approximately $17.9 billion in emergency military assistance to Israel during this period, including artillery shells, bombs, and aircraft components. The US vetoed multiple UN Security Council ceasefire resolutions. Secretary of State Blinken traveled to the region seven times. The stated rationale was Israel's right to self-defense. The documented outcome was the destruction of approximately 60% of Gaza's structures, the collapse of its healthcare system, and famine conditions affecting the majority of the population.

UNRWA Funding Cut

On his first day in office, President Trump signed an executive order ending US funding to UNRWA, the UN agency providing food, medical care, and education to Palestinian refugees. UNRWA serves approximately 5.9 million registered Palestinian refugees. The stated rationale was Israeli government allegations that UNRWA staff participated in the October 7 attacks. An independent UN review found no systemic institutional involvement. The funding cut was implemented regardless. The humanitarian impact is documented as severe and ongoing.

"Riviera of the Middle East"

President Trump proposed that the United States "take over" Gaza and "clean it out," describing a plan to relocate the 2.3 million inhabitants of Gaza to Egypt and Jordan — countries that declined — and redevelop the territory as a "Riviera of the Middle East." The proposal was made at a White House press conference. Egypt and Jordan both refused. International law prohibits the forcible transfer of a civilian population. The proposal was not withdrawn. It was described by the administration as a serious policy position. Trump's Folly documents it as such.

Ceasefire Phase I — US Role

A ceasefire agreement was reached in January 2025, brokered in part by the outgoing Biden administration and Qatar. Phase I included the release of hostages and a temporary halt to fighting. Phase II — intended to end the war permanently — has not been agreed. The Trump administration has supported continued Israeli military operations in Gaza concurrent with ceasefire negotiations. As of March 2026, the conflict continues. Trump's Folly notes that "ceasefire" and "end of war" are different things, and documents both statuses accordingly.

ICC and ICJ — US Response

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Trump administration responded by imposing sanctions on ICC officials — a significant departure from conventional US engagement with international legal institutions. The ICJ genocide case brought by South Africa remains active. The US has not joined proceedings on either side. The administration has described both courts as illegitimate when their findings are inconvenient. Trump's Folly documents this position and its implications for international legal norms.