Trump Claims Severe Hunger Exists in Gaza, Opposing Netanyahu's Statements

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US President Donald Trump has commented on the severe hunger situation in the Gaza Strip, urging that Israel should enhance humanitarian aid as Palestinians face severe food shortages affecting their children.

With the Israeli bombardment in the enclave over two years claiming nearly 60,000 lives, Palestinian health officials report an increase in deaths due to starvation and malnutrition. Disturbing images of malnourished children have sparked international outrage and criticism towards Israel regarding the deteriorating conditions.

Trump’s comments on the famine situation in Gaza contrast with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks. On Sunday, Netanyahu claimed, “there is no starvation in Gaza,” and reiterated his commitment to continuing conflict with the Palestinian group Hamas, a message he reiterated on X on Monday.

“We’re going to be getting some good strong food, we can save a lot of people. I mean, some of those kids — that’s real starvation stuff,” he told reporters at a news conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

“We have to help on a humanitarian basis before we do anything. We have to get the kids fed,” Trump said.

“We’re going to set up food centres, with no fences or boundaries to ease access.”

Trump declined to comment on a push by French President Emmanuel Macron to back Palestinian statehood.

The United States would work with other countries to provide more humanitarian assistance to the people of the Gaza Strip, including food and sanitation, Trump said.

According to Gaza’s health ministry on Monday, at least 14 individuals succumbed to starvation and malnutrition over the past day, raising the total hunger-related death count to 147, including 88 children, mostly in recent weeks.

Israel announced several measures over the weekend, including daily humanitarian pauses to fighting in three areas of the enclave, new safe corridors for aid convoys and airdrops.

The decision followed the collapse of ceasefire talks on Friday.

Two Israeli defence officials said the international pressure prompted the new Israeli measures, as did the worsening conditions on the ground.

United Nations agencies said a long-term and steady supply of aid was needed.

The World Food Programme said 60 trucks of aid had been dispatched — short of target.

Almost 470,000 people in the Gaza Strip are enduring famine-like conditions, with 90,000 women and children in need of specialist nutrition treatments, it said.

“Our current goal is to ensure that 100 trucks reach Gaza every day,” WFP regional director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe, Samer AbdelJaber, stated to Reuters.

Woman holds malnourished toddler in tent

Muhammad Zakariya Ayyoub al-Matouq, a one-year-old child in Gaza, faces life-threatening malnutrition as the humanitarian situation worsens due to ongoing Israeli attacks and blockade. Source: Getty / Anadolu / Getty Images

Netanyahu has denied any policy of starvation.

The health ministry in Gaza said that 98 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the past 24 hours.

Qatar said it had sent 49 trucks that arrived in Egypt en route to the strip.

Jordan and the United Arab Emirates airdropped supplies.