As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen under Israel’s tight restrictions and ongoing military offensive, President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, made an extraordinary trip to Gaza. This rare visit focused on assessing the current aid distribution system and formulating plans for improved humanitarian aid.
Visit
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, and Mike Huckabee, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, arrived in Gaza to inspect humanitarian conditions firsthand. The pair toured a food distribution center managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial organization backed by Israel and the U.S., which currently oversees most of Gaza’s aid supply system.
Ambassador Huckabee posted about the visit on social media, describing his intent to learn the truth about aid distribution in Gaza. He emphasized the scale of GHF’s efforts, highlighting that they reportedly distribute over one million meals daily.
Aid
Since Israel relaxed its blockade in late May, allowing limited humanitarian aid to enter, GHF has played a central role in distributing food supplies. According to data shared by GHF, approximately 1.2 million meals per day are currently provided. However, in a densely populated area home to around 2.1 million Palestinians, this equates to slightly more than half a meal per person each day—far below what’s needed to avert famine.
In response to growing international outrage over starvation-related deaths, Israel recently announced measures to permit increased aid entry. Despite these measures, humanitarian agencies insist that current assistance levels remain insufficient to alleviate the crisis.
| Metric | Gaza’s Current Situation |
|---|---|
| Population | 2.1 million people |
| Meals Distributed Daily | 1.2 million meals |
| Average per Person | Approximately half a meal per day |
Concerns
Humanitarian organizations have persistently raised concerns regarding the inadequacy of current aid distribution and the severe limitations imposed by Israeli forces. Tragically, there have also been multiple reported instances where hundreds of Palestinians were killed while attempting to access aid supplies.
The continued violence around these distribution sites has deepened the crisis, causing widespread outrage and prompting international calls for urgent intervention.
Reactions
The trip by Witkoff and Huckabee was met with intense criticism from local Palestinian officials. Basem Naim, a senior Hamas political figure, sharply denounced the visit, describing it as a theatrical gesture and condemning the U.S.’s perceived complicity with Israeli policies contributing to the suffering of Gazans.
At the same time, humanitarian groups have cautiously welcomed any efforts to increase urgently needed aid, while simultaneously demanding an end to violence around distribution sites.
White House
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Witkoff and Huckabee’s mission was part of a broader initiative aimed at devising a comprehensive plan for significantly increased food and humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. She indicated that President Trump would personally review their findings and approve a finalized aid strategy soon after their return.
Prior to the Gaza visit, Witkoff met in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the escalating humanitarian emergency. President Trump recently acknowledged the reality of the hunger crisis, contrasting sharply with Netanyahu’s denial of starvation in Gaza and his efforts to blame Hamas.
Outlook
The Trump administration faces growing pressure domestically and internationally to alleviate Gaza’s worsening famine. With envoy Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee’s firsthand observations, the White House may soon finalize new humanitarian aid measures. However, serious concerns persist regarding the effectiveness of future distributions and ongoing Israeli restrictions. Immediate action is imperative to prevent further loss of life in the stricken enclave.
The urgent task remains clear: ensuring adequate, safe, and consistent humanitarian aid reaches Gaza swiftly to prevent more unnecessary suffering and deaths.
FAQs
Who visited Gaza recently?
Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Mike Huckabee.
How many meals reach Gaza daily?
About 1.2 million meals, or half a meal per person daily.
What is Gaza Humanitarian Foundation?
A U.S.-Israel backed group overseeing Gaza’s aid.
Why is Gaza facing starvation?
Due to Israeli aid restrictions and ongoing conflict.
How did Hamas react to the visit?
They criticized it as a superficial photo opportunity.
