U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday acknowledged growing starvation in Gaza and suggested Israel could do more to improve humanitarian access, as Palestinians struggle to feed their families despite recent Israeli pledges to ease supply restrictions.
Speaking during a visit to Scotland, Trump said, “You have a lot of starving people,” and stressed that Israel bears significant responsibility in facilitating aid deliveries. He pledged that the United States, in collaboration with other countries, would step up humanitarian support, including the establishment of food centres without fences or barriers to ensure easier access.
“We’re going to set up food centres,” Trump said, promising additional aid in the form of food and sanitation supplies. A White House spokesperson later noted that more details on the initiative would be announced soon.
Trump’s remarks come amid escalating international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With over two years of conflict pushing the death toll close to 60,000, Gaza health officials report a rising number of deaths linked to starvation and malnutrition. Harrowing images of starving children have intensified global condemnation of Israel’s blockade of the territory.
Trump’s acknowledgement of the crisis starkly contrasts with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement on Sunday that “there is no starvation in Gaza,” a claim he reiterated on Monday via X (formerly Twitter). However, Netanyahu later admitted the humanitarian situation was “difficult” and said Israel remained committed to ensuring the flow of aid into Gaza.
“Israel will continue to work with international agencies as well as the U.S. and European nations to ensure that large amounts of humanitarian aid flows into the Gaza Strip,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.
As humanitarian conditions worsen, global attention is increasingly focused on the need for immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
