On Friday, March 21, 2025, the U.S. State Department emphasized that discussions about the annexation of Gaza serve as a distraction during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. This statement came after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced his intention to instruct the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to seize additional territories and to enhance the security zone along the Israel-Gaza border. Katz specifically mentioned that this move could lead to permanent Israeli control over the territory if Hamas continued to withhold hostages.
During a press briefing, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce explained that the focus should remain on the pressing issues at hand, particularly the actions of Hamas. She expressed concern over what she described as Hamas's use of human shields, which has contributed to a broader sense of chaos in the region. “For those of you who care about these issues, it is a distraction to move past the nature of what’s going on now,” Bruce said. “We have to deal with what is continuing and not happening because of their choices.” She underscored the necessity to confront the immediate humanitarian crisis, urging journalists to refrain from allowing the topic of annexation to overshadow the urgent need for action against the ongoing violence.
Bruce remarked that discussions around re-implementing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are still underway, highlighting the U.S. government's active role in seeking diplomatic solutions. “We’re still working to implement ceasefires and dealing with issues and questions regarding what can happen on the ground when there’s still hostilities and still conflict,” she explained.
A significant aspect of the State Department's focus lies in its monitoring of the situation in Syria as well. Bruce noted that the Trump administration has been paying close attention to developments involving Syrian internal authorities. With various nations adopting a cautiously optimistic approach towards Syria's new leadership, Israel has expressed concerns. “We also continue to call for an inclusive, civilian-led government that can ensure national institutions are effective, responsive and representative,” Bruce stated.
Additionally, Bruce made it clear that the U.S. will maintain its current sanctions on Syria, particularly regarding investments. This decision stems from the ongoing complexities on the ground and the need for a stable and representative government in Syria.
The dynamics of international relations were further illustrated by the recent expulsion of South Africa's ambassador to the U.S. This incident followed comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump and ongoing discussions about issues of racism in the United States. As a result, the South African presidency is now reportedly urging the Johannesburg City Council to reconsider plans to rename the street where the U.S. consulate is situated, which was previously set to honor Palestinian terrorist Leila Khaled.
When questioned about whether the State Department was involved in this controversy, Bruce stated that it was not her place to comment on local matters, instead referring journalists to South African authorities for further information. The situation underscores the complexities of managing international relationships amid various geopolitical tensions.
In summary, as discussions of Gaza's potential annexation unfold, the U.S. State Department seeks to redirect the conversation back to the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict with Hamas, while also navigating other significant international issues. The ongoing diligence in monitoring Syria and the recent friction with South Africa's diplomatic relations adds layers to the U.S. strategy in dealing with Middle Eastern affairs.
