As Israel sets out to expand military operations in Gaza, a senior Israeli official told Newsweek that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is sticking behind U.S. President Donald Trump 's vision of transforming the war-torn Palestinian territory into a coveted Middle East destination.

Israeli military strikes killed at least 50 Palestinians, local health authorities said, as President Donald Trump continued his visit to the Middle East.

President Trump addressed Israel and the Palestinians during a speech Tuesday in Saudi Arabia: PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Since January 20th, the U.S. military has terminated 83 terrorist leaders operating across Iraq,

The sanctions were really crippling,” President Trump said, before he traveled to Qatar, where he was given a lavish welcome.

Trump attended a meeting with the leaders of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE before traveling to Doha, Qatar, on his trip’s second leg.

President Donald Trump met with interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia, the first encounter between the two nations’ leaders in 25 years and one that could mark a turning point for the region as Syria struggles to emerge from decades of international isolation.

By Richard Cowan and Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Multiple congressional Republicans raised concerns about President Donald Trump's desire to accept a $400 million airplane from Qatar, as rival Democrats slammed the plan as an illegal foreign donation and national security threat.

Trump previously attacked foreign and even Qatari donations to the Clinton Foundation. Now he wants to accept the biggest gift of all.

President Donald Trump arrived in Qatar on Wednesday -- the second day of his Middle East trip -- as fallout continues over the president's insistence on accepting a luxury plane from the country.