United States President Donald Trump has proposed that Israel take over the management of food distribution centers in Gaza, raising alarm among humanitarian groups and critics who say such a move could worsen the already dire conditions for Palestinians and reinforce Israel’s occupation of the territory.
During a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday, Trump repeated unsubstantiated claims that Hamas has been diverting food aid. Despite denials from the United Nations and other aid groups—and even unnamed Israeli officials—Trump insisted that “a lot of things have been stolen,” referring to food and financial aid in Gaza.
Israeli Oversight
Trump said he believes Israel is well-positioned to manage U.S. aid in Gaza, even in light of documented instances of Israeli troops firing on civilians near aid sites. “They want to preside over the food centres to make sure the distribution is proper,” Trump explained, signaling full trust in Israel to run the process effectively.
It remains unclear when or where these proposed aid centers would be established or whether they would be operated directly by Israel or through the Global Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-backed group under scrutiny for alleged unsafe and abusive practices.
Humanitarian Concerns
The idea of Israel overseeing aid has been sharply criticized, particularly given the deadly consequences already tied to the existing distribution model. Since May, Israel has tightened its blockade, funneling nearly all food aid through GHF, which operates four sites in southern Gaza.
These centers have become flashpoints for violence. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire while trying to access food. The situation has sparked a full-blown hunger crisis in Gaza, where dozens have reportedly died from malnutrition.
Human rights advocates warn that placing Israeli forces in charge of more food distribution points risks enabling further abuses. Whistleblowers, including GHF staff and former Israeli military personnel, have described brutal tactics used to control crowds seeking aid—often involving live ammunition, tanks, and mortars.
Eyewitness Accounts
Anthony Aguilar, a U.S. army veteran who worked with GHF, testified to Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen about what he witnessed on the ground. Aguilar claimed Israeli forces were not targeting Hamas militants but ordinary civilians. “They were firing into the crowds of Palestinians… not just with rifles or machine guns, but tanks, tank rounds, artillery, mortars, missiles,” he said.
He accused the aid centers of being more about displacement than relief, forcing Palestinians to the south while failing to provide adequate food support.
Trump’s Framing
Despite growing international outrage, Trump has continued to deflect criticism from Israel. He acknowledged “real starvation” in Gaza but framed it as a problem caused by Hamas, not Israeli policies or military actions. “If you pressure Israel, you’re rewarding Hamas,” he said when asked if the U.S. should push for a long-term resolution to the conflict.
Instead of calling for expanded UN-led aid efforts, Trump insisted Israel should lead, saying, “They’ll be good at doing it. The food will be properly distributed.”
Global Legal Context
The International Criminal Court last year issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing alleged war crimes, including the use of starvation as a weapon. Meanwhile, UN-backed food security experts confirmed this week that the “worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in Gaza.”
With hunger now weaponized, and aid distribution militarized, critics argue that Trump’s proposal risks further entrenching violence under the guise of humanitarian assistance.
FAQs
What did Trump propose in Gaza?
He suggested Israel run food aid centers in Gaza.
Is Hamas stealing food aid?
Aid groups and UN officials say there’s no evidence.
What is GHF’s role in Gaza?
GHF is a US-backed aid group with four centers in Gaza.
Have aid seekers been harmed?
Yes, hundreds have been killed trying to access aid.
What is the UN’s warning?
Famine is actively occurring in Gaza, experts say.
