Trump Declares "Real Starvation" in Gaza Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

Donald Trump asserted that Gaza is facing "real starvation," contradicting Israeli claims of no such situation. This comes as the UN's humanitarian chief urges for significantly more aid, while allegations of aid theft complicate the delivery process.

In a provocative statement, former President Donald Trump claimed there is “real starvation” occurring in Gaza, a stark contrast to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assertion that no such crisis exists. Speaking in Scotland alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump noted the visible hunger among Gazan children, labeling the situation a humanitarian disaster.

His remarks follow comments from Tom Fletcher, the UN humanitarian chief, who stated that “vast amounts” of food aid are urgently needed to alleviate starvation in the territory. Fletcher highlighted the challenges faced in delivering aid, referencing Israel’s recent efforts to allow more assistance through airdrops and “tactical pauses” in military operations. He described the volume of aid delivered so far as merely “a drop in the ocean” of what is required to address the crisis adequately.

The Israeli military reported that during a designated ten-hour pause in action, 120 truckloads of supplies were collected while Jordan and the UAE airdropped additional food packages. Despite these efforts, the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza reported that 14 new malnutrition-related deaths were recorded in a single day, increasing the death toll from malnutrition to 147 since the conflict's escalation began in October.

Netanyahu strongly denied accusations of Israel creating a famine, referring to them as a “bold-faced lie” and stated that Israel supports humanitarian aid entry into Gaza. He attributed the obstruction of aid supply to Hamas and insisted the military's measures were intended to facilitate humanitarian responses.

Simultaneously, the UN's Fletcher disclosed that Israeli military operations have made the collection and distribution of aid exceedingly difficult, noting that many food trucks were looted as desperate civilians sought sustenance. He underscored the urgency of sustained humanitarian efforts, warning that merely temporary pauses in hostilities would not suffice to alleviate the escalating malnutrition crisis.

The World Health Organization has also voiced concerns about rising malnutrition rates in Gaza, attributing the situation to what they describe as “deliberate blocking” of aid. While Hamas has denied any involvement in the diversion of aid, reports suggest that systematic theft by the organization remains unverified.

As the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, the debate between Israeli officials and international observers about the authenticity of starvation claims persists, with calls for a more comprehensive resolution to the ongoing conflict overshadowing the immediate need for aid and support.