US President Donald Trump has indicated that Israel’s assault on Gaza could soon come to an end, amid rising international condemnation over the mass killings of civilians, targeting of journalists and medics, and famine conditions imposed on the besieged territory.

“I think within the next two to three weeks, you’re going to have pretty good, conclusive ending,” Trump told reporters on Monday.

While Trump has repeatedly vowed to bring the war to an end, none of his promises have so far translated into a ceasefire or even the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians trapped under Israel’s blockade. His administration has continued to provide Israel with billions of dollars in weapons and dismissed global efforts to recognise a Palestinian state.

“It’s got to get over with because between the hunger and all of the other problems – worse than hunger, death, pure death – people [are] being killed,” Trump said.

Back in February, he had proposed the removal of all Palestinians from Gaza – a move widely regarded as ethnic cleansing and a crime against humanity.

On Monday, Trump also appeared unaware of an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza that killed 21 Palestinians, including five journalists.

When asked about the attack, he responded: “Well, I’m not happy about it. I don’t want to see it. At the same time, we have to end that whole nightmare.”

Trump then shifted focus to his efforts to secure the release of remaining Israeli captives in Gaza.

Source: Al Jazeera