President Donald Trump on Monday expressed concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure that food reaches people in the war-torn territory.
Speaking from his Trump Turnberry golf course in Scotland, Trump said the United States will help set up food centers in Gaza but stressed that Israel must “make sure they get the food.”
Trump Diverges from Netanyahu on Gaza Starvation Claims
Trump’s remarks came after Netanyahu claimed on Sunday that “there is no starvation in Gaza.” Trump disagreed, saying, “Based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry.”
The U.S. president’s comments mark a notable shift. Last week, Trump sounded resigned about the 21-month Israel-Hamas war, saying Israel would have to “fight and clean it up.” However, images of malnourished children have fueled renewed global outrage, pushing Trump to adopt a more urgent tone.
U.S. Plans Food Centers but Details Remain Unclear
Trump pledged that the U.S. will “set up food centers” in Gaza to help address the crisis but did not provide specifics. The White House has yet to release more information.
Trump also accused Hamas of stealing aid intended for civilians but acknowledged Israel’s responsibility. “Israel has a lot of responsibility,” Trump said, while noting that the Israeli military’s actions are complicated by the need to rescue 20 remaining hostages held in Gaza.
Starmer Joins Trump in Calling for Urgent Aid
Alongside Trump was UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called the situation in Gaza “absolutely intolerable.” Starmer urged for immediate action, stating, “I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they are seeing on their screens.”
Vice President JD Vance echoed these concerns during a speech in Canton, Ohio, saying the U.S. is deeply worried about “a lot of starving children” in Gaza.
Global Pressure Mounts to Ease Gaza Crisis
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi also called on Trump to use his influence to stop the war and deliver food aid. “Please, make every effort to stop this war and deliver the aid,” el-Sissi said on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has begun limited daily pauses in fighting to allow for food distribution and continued airdrops of aid. Yet humanitarian agencies warn these measures are not enough to prevent widespread hunger.
UN Conference Pushes Two-State Solution
Trump’s comments came as the UN General Assembly launched a high-level conference in New York promoting a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Israel and the U.S. are boycotting the two-day event, which is co-chaired by the foreign ministers of France and Saudi Arabia.
Starmer reiterated the UK’s support for a Palestinian state as part of a broader peace plan. Trump, however, declined to state a position on recognizing Palestinian statehood, saying France’s recognition last week “doesn’t carry any weight.”
“We have to help on a humanitarian basis before we do anything,” Trump said. “We have to get the kids fed.”
