President Trump said Monday the United States would be getting more involved in getting food into Gaza amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
During a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump informed reporters about plans for the U.S. to help establish “food centers” in Gaza. Details on whether the U.S. would engage directly or if this would be with the aid of a third-party organization were not clarified. However, he mentioned it would be a collaborative international effort.
“We’re going to collaborate with some excellent partners, providing funding… and other countries will join in,” Trump stated while standing beside Starmer. “I know your nation is on board, and we have the European nations with us too, along with others offering their assistance. So, we are setting up food centers that people can access freely without any restrictions. There won’t be any barriers,” he explained.
“This initiative will involve cooperation with the United States. We’ll contribute to the food supply…and ensure it reaches there, with efforts to prevent any barriers that might hinder access,” Trump replied when asked about the operation of the food centers.
Trump’s comments come amid international outcry over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been devastated in Israel’s war against Hamas. Images and news reports have circulated in recent days detailing how many in Gaza, including children, are facing starvation because of a lack of aid getting into the territory.
“We’re going to be getting some good, strong food. We can save a lot of people. Some of those kids – that’s real starvation. I see it. And you can’t fake that,” Trump said Monday. “So we’re going to be even more involved.”
Pressed on whether Israel, which has placed restrictions on aid getting into Gaza for months, can do more to get food to Palestinians, Trump said he thought Israel “can do a lot” before accusing Iran of derailing ceasefire talks.
Trump earlier Monday was asked if he agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments that there was no starvation in Gaza.
“I mean, based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry,” Trump said.
Starmer called the situation unfolding in Gaza “absolutely intolerable.”
“Seeing those images of starving children in particular are revolting,” Starmer said. “And there’s a sense of revulsion in the British public of what they’re seeing.”
