Trump Warns of ‘Real Starvation’ in Gaza as Aid Deliveries Resume Amid Tactical Pause
Trump Warns of ‘Real Starvation’ in Gaza as Aid Deliveries Resume Amid Tactical Pause
19: Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks before prominent Jewish donors at an event titled “Fighting Anti-Semitism in America” at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill on September 19, 2024 in Washington, DC. “This United States election is the most important election in Israeli history,” Trump told the assembled. Calling himself the greatest president for Jews in history, Trump said that if he does not win in November, Israel will be “eradicated” within two years. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has raised alarm over what he called “real starvation” in Gaza, as humanitarian agencies begin delivering more food aid during a declared Israeli “tactical pause” in some military operations.
Speaking in Scotland on Monday after meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump openly contradicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had previously dismissed famine concerns in Gaza as Hamas propaganda. Trump emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, saying, “We have to get the kids fed… some of those kids — that’s real starvation stuff.”
Trump announced plans for the U.S., along with the UK and EU, to support new, accessible food centers across Gaza. These centres, he said, would aim to provide aid without the heavy restrictions that have hindered past relief efforts.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), already backed by the U.S., has faced criticism for inadequate operations and for allegedly enabling Israel’s military objectives. The UN says many Palestinians have been killed near its aid sites while trying to access food.
As aid flows resumed, reports from Gaza remained dire. One resident, Jamil Safadi, said he managed to secure five kilos of flour after two weeks of searching, while others said trucks were looted or that guards fired on civilians near distribution centres.
Despite the new aid corridors, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. The UN warns that 500–600 trucks of food and essential supplies are needed daily, far more than current levels. On Sunday, 120 aid trucks were allowed in, according to Israel’s COGAT.
Meanwhile, Israel’s civil defence agency confirmed 54 deaths in Gaza on Monday, showing that the tactical pause remains limited in scope.
International responses have begun to intensify. Jordan, Egypt, and the UAE are delivering aid through airlifts and land convoys. Germany also announced a joint humanitarian airlift with Jordan, in coordination with France and the UK.
UNRWA welcomed the renewed aid deliveries cautiously but stressed that only full access and consistent supply could prevent worsening starvation.
Two Israeli human rights groups — B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights — accused the Israeli government of genocide, marking the first time local NGOs have used such language.
The Gaza war began after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which left 1,219 people dead, mostly civilians. In response, Israel launched a military campaign that has since killed nearly 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
As aid continues to trickle in, UN officials warn that more time is needed to assess whether the situation on the ground is improving.
