Trump Claims Real Starvation Exists in Gaza Amid Israeli Denials

In a recent statement, Donald Trump highlighted the dire hunger situation in Gaza, suggesting that many children are suffering from starvation. This comes after the UN reported significant looting of food supplies meant for the area, while Israel continues to deny the claims of starvation and blames Hamas for humanitarian barriers.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn attention to the severe hunger crisis in Gaza, declaring there is "real starvation" in the territory. Trump's comments were made during a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland, contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assertion that the claim of starvation is a "bold-faced lie." When asked about Netanyahu's remarks, Trump responded, "I don't know... those children look very hungry... that's real starvation stuff."

The urgency of the situation was echoed by Tom Fletcher, the UN's humanitarian chief, who stated that vast amounts of food are required to alleviate the crisis. While he acknowledged recent Israeli efforts to allow aid through airdrops and temporary halts in military operations, he emphasized the need for a much larger scale of aid delivery. "It's the beginning, but the next few days are really make or break," Fletcher remarked on a BBC Radio program.

As Israel confirmed the collection of 120 truckloads of aid during a military "tactical pause," the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that another 14 individuals had died from malnutrition in just 24 hours, bringing the total malnutrition-related deaths since the start of hostilities in October 2023 to 147, including 88 children. Despite this alarming situation, Israel continues to reject claims of orchestrated starvation and blames Hamas for the food supply issues.

The Israeli military implemented measures it claims would enhance humanitarian responses in Gaza, including designating secure routes for aid convoys. However, Fletcher cautioned that the UN's attempts to deliver aid were hampered by bureaucratic and security challenges, and warned that most of the food lorries sent had been looted by desperate civilians.

With the World Health Organization highlighting a dangerous rise in malnutrition-related deaths this month, Fletcher insisted that a sustained and large-scale delivery of aid is necessary to alleviate the situation. He called for a ceasefire, stating, "Pauses are a good step, but stopping the conflict is key."

In a denouncement of accusations against Israel, Netanyahu reiterated that there is no starvation occurring in Gaza and accused Hamas of obstructing humanitarian efforts. While arguing against the narrative of targeted starvation, he insisted that Israel's humanitarian measures left no excuses for agencies like the UN to fail in their delivery efforts.

Local hospital reports indicated continued Israeli attacks in Gaza, resulting in over 30 casualties, highlighting the ongoing conflict's severe toll. Since the onset of violence following an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 59,821 according to local health authorities.