Trump Urges Israel to Boost Aid Amid Growing Starvation Crisis in Gaza

U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israel to expand humanitarian aid to Gaza as starvation intensifies, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting nearly 60,000 deaths from two years of war and 147 from hunger, including 88 children. Speaking in Scotland, Trump acknowledged the “real” starvation crisis and announced U.S.-backed food centers with “no fences or boundaries” to ensure access. A White House spokesperson said details would follow.

Trump’s remarks contrast with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who denied widespread starvation but later described the situation as “difficult” and pledged to work with the U.S., Europe, and international agencies to increase aid flow. Over the weekend, Israel announced daily humanitarian pauses, safe aid corridors, and airdrops following stalled ceasefire talks.

U.N. agencies warn that nearly 470,000 people in Gaza face famine-like conditions and 90,000 women and children urgently need nutritional treatment. The World Food Programme aims to deliver 100 aid trucks daily but currently falls short, dispatching about 60 trucks. Reports indicate chaos in aid distribution, with looting by desperate civilians and armed groups.

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s military campaign continues to target Hamas, with recent strikes killing 98 Palestinians in 24 hours, according to Gaza authorities.

Israel says it abides by international law and blames Hamas for diverting aid, while Hamas accuses Israel of using hunger as a weapon. International pressure is mounting for a lasting ceasefire and steady aid supply, as humanitarian organizations warn that “time has run out” for Gaza’s starving population.