President Donald Trump has said he supports Israel taking direct control over food distribution centers in Gaza, a proposal that’s raising alarms among human rights groups, aid organizations, and international observers. Trump made the comments while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, emphasizing that Israel should oversee aid delivery because of alleged theft by Hamas—a claim repeatedly rejected by United Nations officials and even Israeli sources.
Oversight
Trump said he trusted Israel to “preside over the food centres” and manage U.S.-funded aid. “We’re going to be dealing with Israel. And we think they can do a good job of it,” he stated. But there’s no clear timeline or structure laid out for how or when Israel might take over these distribution points.
Critics argue that such a move could further entrench Israel’s control over Gaza and worsen already dire conditions. Many fear that aid centers run by or guarded by Israeli forces could become even more dangerous for Palestinian civilians.
Blockade
Since May, food entering Gaza has been limited almost exclusively to routes managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.- and Israel-backed organization. GHF has four operational sites in southern Gaza and has come under fire—both literally and figuratively.
Israeli forces have reportedly opened fire on civilians at or near these distribution centers. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed trying to reach food, with many more injured. Human rights organizations say the aid system has become militarized, with safety severely compromised for those seeking help.
Whistle Blowers
Anthony Aguilar, a U.S. Army veteran and former GHF contractor, recently gave damning testimony to Senator Chris Van Hollen. He described Israeli troops firing live rounds, tank shells, and mortars into crowds of hungry civilians. According to Aguilar, these were not combatants—just desperate people trying to survive.
He said the purpose of these attacks appeared to be crowd control, not defense. “They were firing not just with rifles or machine guns, but tanks, artillery, mortars, missiles,” he recounted. He also noted that GHF’s presence often forced displaced Palestinians to move even farther south, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Starvation
The Israeli government has downplayed reports of widespread hunger, calling them Hamas propaganda. But on Monday, Trump acknowledged the reality. “There is real starvation,” he said, though he still insisted that Israel should handle aid distribution, not the UN or international organizations.
UN-backed food experts confirmed this week that a famine is already unfolding in Gaza. Dozens have died from malnutrition, with many more at risk as Israel maintains tight restrictions on aid flows.
Political Pressure
Despite the worsening conditions, Trump dismissed suggestions that the U.S. should pressure Israel to shift its approach. He likened such pressure to a reward for Hamas. “If you do that, you really are rewarding Hamas, and I’m not about to do that,” he said.
Meanwhile, international outrage is mounting. The International Criminal Court last year issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes—including using starvation as a weapon.
Whether the U.S. officially endorses Israel’s full control over Gaza’s food supply remains to be seen. But Trump’s comments suggest Washington is willing to stand behind Israel, even as humanitarian concerns continue to escalate.
FAQs
What did Trump say about Gaza aid?
He supports Israel overseeing food distribution centers in Gaza.
Is there evidence Hamas steals food?
No, aid groups and even Israeli officials deny this claim.
What is the GHF?
A U.S.- and Israel-backed group managing food aid in Gaza.
How many died at GHF sites?
Hundreds have been killed trying to access food centers.
Did Trump acknowledge starvation?
Yes, he said ‘real starvation’ is happening in Gaza.
