Trump Caught Off Guard by Israeli Strikes in Syria, Gaza Church Bombing

President Donald Trump was caught off guard by recent Israeli military strikes in Syria, including attacks on government buildings in Damascus, and the bombing of Gaza's only Catholic church, which resulted in three fatalities. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump quickly contacted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address and rectify these actions, signaling a rare moment of discord between the two usually allied leaders. Trump expressed frustration over the prolonged violence in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, while also supporting efforts to rebuild Syria's government after its civil war. Despite a generally strong relationship, these Israeli strikes complicate U.S. plans in the region and have drawn criticism from the Trump administration and international actors, including concerns from special envoy Tom Barrack about Israel's military maneuvers disrupting regional stability. Meanwhile, negotiations for a ceasefire continue, with accusations that Hamas is impeding progress, though the U.S. pressure may shift to Israel if Hamas agrees to terms. The situation reflects growing tensions within U.S.-Israel relations amid ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.