URGENT UPDATE: President Donald Trump has called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure that food aid reaches the people of Gaza amid a deepening humanitarian crisis. In a statement made during his visit to Scotland on July 15, 2023, Trump expressed serious concern over the dire situation, triggered by distressing images of malnourished children flooding social media, which have sparked international outrage.
“I want him to make sure they get the food,” Trump emphasized, noting that both the U.S. and other nations are already providing monetary and food support to Gaza. His remarks signal a shift from his previous, more resigned stance regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
In response to a question about Netanyahu’s claim that there is no policy of starvation in Gaza, Trump replied, “I don’t know. Based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry.” This statement reflects a growing urgency in Trump’s approach, as images of starvation-related deaths continue to provoke a global outcry.
As of this weekend, the Israeli military has begun airdrops of humanitarian aid and implemented limited pauses in combat to allow for aid distribution in three densely populated areas of Gaza. This development comes in light of increasing international criticism regarding the humanitarian conditions faced by civilians.
Earlier this month, Trump acknowledged a sense of resignation about the ongoing conflict, stating that Hamas was likely “going to be hunted down.” However, his tone shifted dramatically on Monday, as he expressed a desire for immediate humanitarian action. “We have to help on a humanitarian basis before we do anything. We have to get the kids fed,” he stated.
During the press conference, Trump also mentioned plans to “set up food centers” in Gaza but did not provide further details on this initiative. The White House and the U.S. State Department did not respond immediately to inquiries for clarification on these efforts.
When pressed on Israel’s responsibility for the limited aid reaching Gaza, Trump acknowledged, “Israel has a lot of responsibility,” while also recognizing the challenges they face in managing the situation, especially concerning the remaining 20 hostages held by Hamas.
As the humanitarian crisis intensifies, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. Trump’s remarks have reignited discussions on the need for a more effective response to the suffering in Gaza, as both humanitarian and political pressures mount.
Moving forward, all eyes will be on how Israel and the U.S. respond to these urgent humanitarian needs. The world waits to see if Trump’s call to action will translate into tangible relief for the people of Gaza.