President Donald Trump broke from the Israeli government’s narrative on Monday, declaring that “real starvation” is occurring in Gaza and calling for urgent action to feed children in the besieged territory. His remarks mark a significant shift as international outrage grows over the deepening humanitarian crisis under Israel’s ongoing military offensive.
Hunger
Speaking during a visit to Scotland, Trump dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that there is “no starvation in Gaza.” After watching news footage of Palestinian children, Trump said, “Those children look very hungry. You can’t fake that.” He added that the U.S. would begin setting up food centers in Gaza to provide relief.
Vice President JD Vance echoed Trump’s concerns during a trip to Ohio, saying the administration is “very worried about the humanitarian problem in Gaza” and committed to ensuring food reaches starving children.
The comments come as malnutrition-related deaths rise sharply in Gaza, with the local health ministry reporting 14 such deaths in the past 24 hours, including two children. The total number of reported deaths from famine and malnutrition since the war began has now reached 147, with 88 of them children.
Aid Gaps
Israel’s military announced “tactical pauses” in fighting over the weekend to allow for aid deliveries in three populated areas of Gaza. However, humanitarian groups say the scale of aid permitted so far is nowhere near what is needed to address the crisis.
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher called Sunday’s deliveries “a drop in the ocean,” warning that the coming days are “make or break” in preventing mass famine and collapse of health infrastructure. He urged a full-scale effort to deliver significantly more food and medical supplies.
On Sunday, COGAT—the Israeli agency coordinating with Palestinians—said just under 30 aid packages were airdropped into Gaza in collaboration with the UAE and Jordan. Footage from NBC News showed desperate residents running across open fields to chase parachuting supplies, often risking their lives.
Dangerous Conditions
Abdul Rahman Al-Kahlout, an 18-year-old from northern Gaza, said he waited for four hours in intense heat to collect food. “We died in the sun,” he said, adding that Israeli forces surrounded aid seekers and fired shots. “I thought I was going to die for flour.”
At least 1,000 people have been killed since late May while attempting to reach aid distribution points, according to health officials in Gaza. These deaths are linked to the controversial new system led by the U.S. and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has come under criticism from both U.S. lawmakers and aid organizations.
U.S. Divergence
Trump’s comments represent a notable break from Netanyahu and come amid reports of disagreement within the U.S. administration. While Israel continues to claim Hamas is diverting aid, a confidential U.S. government analysis reviewed by State Department officials found no evidence of systematic aid theft by the group. The IDF dismissed the report as biased.
Despite this, Israel has justified its strict controls and the implementation of a more militarized aid distribution system based on the threat of diversion.
Warnings
The World Food Program said it has enough food in and en route to feed Gaza’s population “for almost three months,” but can’t do so without proper access. The agency warned that one-third of Gaza’s population is “not eating for days.”
Humanitarian organizations, doctors, and even former U.S. officials are now calling for a full review of how aid is being delivered—and blocked—in the territory. With starvation spreading and images of emaciated children capturing global attention, the pressure on both Israel and its allies is intensifying.
Trump offered few details about how or when the U.S. food centers would be established but confirmed that plans were underway in coordination with European partners.
The growing death toll and the testimonies of those on the ground suggest that without a dramatic change in aid policy, the hunger crisis in Gaza will only deepen.
FAQs
What did Trump say about Gaza?
He acknowledged ‘real starvation’ and promised U.S. food aid.
How many have died from malnutrition in Gaza?
147 deaths, including 88 children, have been reported.
What is Israel’s claim about aid diversion?
Israel says Hamas steals aid, but U.S. found no proof.
How much aid was dropped on Sunday?
Under 30 food packages were airdropped by COGAT.
What is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation?
A U.S.- and Israel-backed group criticized for aid-related deaths.
