• Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir claims GOP's secret support for bombing Gaza aid depots.
• The US State Department refutes Ben-Gvir's claims as contradictory to US policy.
• Ben-Gvir's statements arise amid ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza.
• Congressman Tom Emmer reportedly attended the meeting but did not confirm support.
• International community condemns the blockade and bombing strategies in Gaza.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir asserted that senior Republican lawmakers support his proposal to bomb food and aid depots in Gaza during a recent meeting at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. He described this strategy as a method to exert military and political pressure on Hamas to secure the return of hostages. Ben-Gvir's claims marked a continuation of his hardline stance on Gaza amid an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, noting that he discussed these controversial tactics directly with Republican officials, including Congressman Tom Emmer, considered a leading supporter of Israel in Congress, according to aa, aljazeera, and indiatimes.

In response to Ben-Gvir's announcement, the US State Department described his remarks as a “complete contradiction” to US policy. Spokesperson Tammy Bruce asserted that Ben-Gvir's claims were not confirmed or discussed within the government, emphasizing the US's commitment to providing humanitarian aid for Gaza without it being misused. Bruce reiterated that the US aims to ensure aid flows into Gaza, countering claims of Republican support for bombing aid depots, reported by aa and aljazeera.

Additionally, Ben-Gvir's assertions occur amidst reports of nearly 51,300 Palestinian casualties since the escalation of violence following the October 7 attack by Hamas, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis declared the most severe since the conflict began. The restriction of essential supplies into Gaza, enforced by Israel, has drawn international condemnation from various governments, including those of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, who criticized the ongoing blockade and military actions, as noted by aljazeera and indiatimes.