Trump Breaks with Netanyahu, Warns of Starvation in Gaza: “We Have to Get the Kids Fed”

In a surprising turn that signals growing rifts among Western allies, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Palestinians in Gaza are facing “real starvation”, directly contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s repeated denials of a humanitarian crisis.

Speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a press conference in Scotland on Monday, Trump said urgent humanitarian intervention is needed before any political solutions are pursued.

“We’re going to be getting some good strong food,” Trump told reporters. “Some of those kids, that’s real starvation stuff. We have to help on a humanitarian basis before we do anything.”

His comments came just one day after Netanyahu dismissed reports of famine in Gaza as “Hamas propaganda,” during a reception in Jerusalem for Trump’s spiritual adviser, Paula White-Cain.

Plans for Accessible Food Centres in Gaza

Trump announced that the U.S., along with the UK and the European Union, would support the establishment of “walk-in food centres” across Gaza. Unlike the heavily fortified aid sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) which have been marred by reports of Israeli troops firing on civilians, Trump emphasized that the new centres would have “no boundaries.”

“It’s crazy what’s going on over there,” he added.

The announcement reflects international frustration with the slow and limited flow of aid into Gaza, especially after a near-total Israeli blockade on supplies from March to May. Though the blockade has eased slightly, humanitarian groups warn the response remains grossly inadequate.

First Signs of Relief, but Not Nearly Enough

The United Nations and aid agencies have recently resumed expanded food deliveries after the Israeli military began a daily “tactical pause” in fighting. On Sunday alone, 120 truckloads of aid reportedly made it into Gaza – a welcome shift, but still far short of the 500-600 trucks per day needed, according to UNRWA.

Jordan and the UAE have also stepped in with airdrops, while Egypt has sent truck convoys through the Rafah crossing.

For many Gazans, the struggle for food is still desperate.

“For the first time, I received about five kilos of flour, which I shared with my neighbour,” said Jamil Safadi, a father of six sheltering in a tent in Tel al-Hawa.

Netanyahu Denies Starvation, Faces Legal Accusations

Despite mounting evidence of hunger and child malnutrition, Netanyahu maintains Israel is not starving Gaza’s civilians.

However, the narrative took a dramatic turn yesterday when two prominent Israeli rights organisations – B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights – issued a joint statement accusing the Israeli government of committing “genocide” for the first time in the nation’s legal history.

As global pressure intensifies, Trump’s comments mark a rare public split with Israel and may signal a shift in U.S. policy toward the nearly 22-month war. With more than two million Palestinians caught in the crossfire, the question remains: Will the world act in time to prevent mass famine?

{Source: IOL}

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