Senior Republican figures have expressed alarm that the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza might provoke retaliatory terrorist strikes against America, drawing parallels with the September 11 attacks.
A high-ranking congressional aide warned that whilst defeating Hamas serves American security interests, the humanitarian toll could severely damage Washington's global reputation and inspire extremist attacks on US targets.
The source said: "Ultimately, we don't want to see another 9/11."
They cautioned that American backing for Israel carries the danger of citizens becoming victims of revenge attacks orchestrated by Hamas and its supporters.
REUTERS
|Senior Republican figures have expressed alarm that the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza might provoke retaliatory terrorist strikes against America
The aide acknowledged Israel was engaged in what they termed a "valiant and fair and worthy fight" but warned that Israeli military tactics threatened to trigger "further escalation against the West".
President Donald Trump has broken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's position by acknowledging widespread hunger in Gaza, declaring "we have to get the kids fed" during remarks on Monday.
The US President dismissed Israeli claims that deny starvation exists, whilst referencing disturbing footage of emaciated children from the territory.
He said: "I see it, and you can't fake that"
REUTERS
|A high-ranking congressional aide warned that the humanitarian toll could severely damage Washington's global reputation and inspire extremist attacks on US targets
Vice-President JD Vance described footage of malnourished children as "heartbreaking" and placed responsibility squarely on the Israeli authorities to permit humanitarian supplies into Gaza.
Leading figures within Trump's Maga movement have launched unprecedented criticism of Israeli conduct, with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene becoming the first Republican legislator to use the term "genocide" regarding Gaza.
The Georgia representative, previously known for condemning congressional critics of Israel as "sympathising with terrorists", drew comparisons between the "genocide, humanitarian crisis and starvation" in Gaza and the atrocities of October 7.
Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon joined the criticism on his War Room programme, claiming Israel commands "almost no support" amongst MAGA adherents under thirty and alleging Netanyahu seeks to "save himself politically by dragging America in deeper to another Middle East war".
REUTERS
|President Donald Trump has broken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's position by acknowledging widespread hunger in Gaza
A former Trump administration official revealed that "an increasing number of people across the board who think Bibi [Netanyahu] is taking advantage of us," reflecting mounting frustration in Washington.
Congressional sources confirmed Netanyahu's conduct has become problematic, with one saying: "There's definitely concerns with Netanyahu's actions."
American backing for Israeli military operations has plummeted to just 32 per cent according to Gallup polling, marking the lowest approval since November 2023.
Republican Israel supporters worry that ongoing humanitarian devastation could strengthen isolationist voices within Trump's coalition who oppose America's annual $3.8 billion military assistance to Israel.