In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump highlighted the alarming situation in Gaza, asserting that there is "real starvation" occurring in the region. This declaration came amidst conflicting claims from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who insisted that allegations of starvation in Gaza are unfounded. When asked if he agreed with Netanyahu's assertion that it was a "bold-faced lie" to suggest Israel was responsible for the hunger crisis, Trump expressed concern, stating, "Those children look very hungry... that's real starvation stuff."
During a meeting in Scotland with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump criticized the ongoing situation in Gaza, remarking, "Nobody's done anything great over there. The whole place is a mess." His comments came as the United Nations humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, emphasized the urgent need for vast amounts of food and aid to prevent further starvation. Fletcher welcomed Israel's recent measures to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza through airdrops and temporary military pauses, but he stressed that the aid delivered thus far is merely "a drop in the ocean" compared to what is required.
On Sunday, the Israeli military reported that 120 lorry loads of humanitarian aid were collected from crossings during a 10-hour tactical pause in military operations. Additionally, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates contributed by airdropping 28 packages of food into Gaza. Despite these efforts, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that malnutrition-related deaths have continued to rise, with 14 more individuals dying in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 147 deaths since the onset of the conflict in October 2023, including 88 children.
Israel has categorically denied the existence of starvation in Gaza and rejected accusations of being responsible for the ongoing food shortages. They argue that the humanitarian aid measures are sufficient and that the real issue lies with Hamas, which they claim obstructs aid delivery. Netanyahu vehemently dismissed claims of a deliberate starvation policy as "a bold-faced lie," asserting that Israel enables humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and that without it, there would be no Gazans left.
Despite the recent efforts to improve the humanitarian response in Gaza, challenges remain significant. Fletcher noted that the UN had collected fewer than 100 lorry loads of aid during the same period, significantly lower than the 600 to 700 loads that were entering Gaza daily during a previous ceasefire earlier this year. He highlighted the bureaucratic and security constraints faced by UN drivers, which impede their ability to collect and distribute aid effectively. Furthermore, reports indicate that many aid lorries were looted upon entering Gaza, as desperate civilians sought to secure food.
Fletcher warned that the Israeli military's pauses for humanitarian aid might only last for a week, which he described as wholly insufficient given the escalating crisis. He emphasized the need for a sustained delivery of aid over weeks or months to effectively combat starvation and rebuild supplies. "Ultimately, we need a ceasefire," he stated, underscoring that while pauses in military operations are a step forward, a complete cessation of conflict is essential for lasting humanitarian relief.
On the same day, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a grave warning regarding the state of malnutrition in Gaza, noting a sharp increase in deaths linked to malnutrition. The WHO reported that of the 74 malnutrition-related deaths recorded in July 2025, a significant number occurred this month, raising alarm about the deteriorating health conditions in the region. The organization condemned the "deliberate blocking and delay" of essential food and health aid.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires immediate attention and action from the international community. With rising malnutrition rates and escalating casualties, leaders around the world must advocate for a more effective and sustained response to alleviate the suffering of those in Gaza. As the situation continues to evolve, the need for humanitarian aid, coupled with a long-term solution to the conflict, has never been more critical.
