US President Donald Trump urged nations worldwide to step up their humanitarian assistance to Gaza, asserting that the ongoing crisis in the region requires a collective international response. Speaking from Scotland on Sunday before a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump announced that the United States would enhance its aid contributions but emphasized the need for broader participation from other countries. “It’s an international problem, it’s not a US problem,” he stated to reporters.
Trump highlighted the significant financial and logistical support the US has already provided, saying, “We’re giving a lot of money, a lot of food… if we weren’t there, I think people would have starved, frankly.” His comments came in the context of escalating tensions following the breakdown of ceasefire and hostage negotiations with Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza.
Humanitarian Situation and Military Operations
The conflict reignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties and over 250 individuals taken hostage. In response, the conflict has led to substantial loss of life in Gaza. According to the health authority managed by Hamas, nearly 60,000 people have died in the ongoing violence. While these figures are largely accepted by United Nations organizations, they have not been independently verified and do not differentiate between combatants and civilians.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, a large-scale aid convoy consisting of approximately 100 lorries entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing on Sunday. This delivery marks the first significant aid to reach the area in months, amidst a looming hunger crisis. Earlier in the day, the Israeli military announced a daily “tactical pause in military activity for humanitarian purposes,” which is set to last from 10:00 to 20:00 local time until further notice. The pause applies to specific regions in Gaza, including al-Mawasi and Deir al-Balah, where the military has previously conducted operations.
While the Israeli military has designated al-Mawasi as a “humanitarian zone,” it has faced criticism due to previous attacks in the area. Deir al-Balah is also notable as the location of the World Health Organization’s central warehouse, which reported damage following Israeli ground troop incursions.
International Response and Aid Efforts
In light of the humanitarian challenges, the Israeli military has established humanitarian corridors from 06:00 to 23:00 local time. This initiative is intended to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies, including food and medicine, to the population of Gaza. UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher expressed optimism regarding the military’s announcement, stating, “In contact with our teams on the ground who will do all we can to reach as many starving people as we can in this window.”
The World Food Programme (WFP) has confirmed its readiness to assist those in need, emphasizing that it has sufficient resources to deliver aid effectively across Gaza. WFP Director Cindy McCain urged immediate action, stating, “Now is the time to act.” Similarly, UNICEF welcomed the prospect of aid airdrops, framing it as a critical opportunity to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, particularly for children who have suffered immensely since the breakdown of the ceasefire in March.
UNICEF reported that the population of Gaza, exceeding 2 million people, is facing severe food insecurity. Alarmingly, one in three individuals has not eaten for several days, with children representing around 80 percent of starvation-related deaths.
The Israeli government has faced mounting international scrutiny regarding its military operations in Gaza, particularly following the end of a ceasefire in March. While Israel maintains that it is conducting a necessary military campaign against Hamas, critics argue that the humanitarian impact on civilians is catastrophic. In a recent statement, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir condemned the resumption of aid deliveries, labeling the move as detrimental to Israeli soldiers and a misguided effort to sustain the enemy.
As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the call for global cooperation in humanitarian efforts remains critical. The international community is urged to respond to the escalating crisis, both through increased aid and diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region.
