UPDATE: U.S. President Donald Trump has emphasized that the top priority in the Gaza Strip is providing food for the “many starving people” amid a deepening humanitarian crisis. Trump made these remarks during a press conference on Monday at his golf resort in Turnberry, Scotland, alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Trump revealed that the United States has allocated $60 million for humanitarian aid, calling on other nations to increase their assistance. “We’re giving a lot of money and a lot of food, and other nations are now stepping up,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
During discussions over the weekend with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump was assured that European countries would significantly enhance their support. Starmer concurred, describing the situation as an “absolute catastrophe” that has left British citizens outraged at the images of suffering they see on their screens.
The dire circumstances are starkly illustrated by reports from the Gaza health ministry, which confirmed that at least 14 people have died from starvation and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, pushing the war’s death toll from hunger to 147, including 89 children. This crisis has escalated dramatically in recent weeks, with many residents facing famine-like conditions.
Trump also addressed the ongoing hostage situation involving the militant group Hamas, stating that their refusal to release more hostages is complicating the humanitarian efforts. He indicated that he had advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reconsider Israel’s current approach amidst the ongoing conflict.
“I told Bibi that you have to maybe do it a different way,” Trump said, referencing the need for a strategic shift in Israel’s tactics.
When asked if a ceasefire was feasible, Trump responded affirmatively but added, “You have to get it, you have to end it,” without elaborating on the specifics. As tensions continue to rise, Hamas has indicated a willingness to release hostages under a ceasefire agreement, but talks in Doha recently faced setbacks, with Israel withdrawing its delegation shortly after receiving Hamas’s response.
In response to the urgent need for aid, Israel has implemented measures to improve access for humanitarian assistance, including daily humanitarian pauses in three areas of the Gaza Strip. However, United Nations agencies are warning that these efforts are currently insufficient to alleviate the severe conditions experienced by residents.
Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions, denying accusations of implementing a starvation campaign in Gaza. “There is no policy of starvation in Gaza, and there is no starvation in Gaza,” he stated on Sunday. He emphasized that Israel must ensure that aid does not fall into the hands of militants.
The international community is watching closely as the situation unfolds, with mounting pressure on both Israel and Hamas to reach a resolution that prioritizes humanitarian needs. As the humanitarian crisis intensifies, Trump’s call for immediate action underscores the urgent need for global solidarity and support for the people of Gaza.
As developments continue, the focus will remain on securing aid and addressing the humanitarian disaster evolving in the region. The world awaits a decisive response from the involved parties, particularly in light of the escalating death toll and the growing desperation among Gaza’s inhabitants.
