U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that Gaza is facing “real starvation” and announced plans to open food centers in the conflict-stricken region, aiming to ease the worsening hunger crisis.
Speaking after a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland, Trump stated, “Some of those kids are truly starving. We’re going to open food centers — no fences, no restrictions — so people can just walk in.”
With the Gaza death toll approaching 60,000 after two years of war, health officials report a sharp rise in hunger-related deaths, including dozens of children. Images of starving children have fueled global outrage and criticism of Israel’s actions in the besieged enclave.
Trump’s remarks put him at odds with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who claimed there is “no starvation” in Gaza. Trump stressed Israel’s responsibility in facilitating humanitarian aid, adding that the U.S., alongside other countries, would expand efforts to deliver food and sanitation supplies.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 14 deaths from starvation in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 147, including 88 children — most in recent weeks.
While Israel recently announced daily humanitarian pauses, new aid corridors, and airdrops, U.N. agencies say a consistent and increased supply is urgently needed. The World Food Programme dispatched 60 trucks, short of the 100-truck daily target, and warned that nearly half a million people are enduring famine-like conditions.
Aid workers described the dire situation, with children dying daily from hunger and preventable disease. “The catastrophe is here,” said Jan Egeland of the Norwegian Refugee Council, calling the crisis manmade.
On the ground, Palestinians struggle to access limited aid, often only reaching the strongest. “That chaos must stop,” said one resident. Others, like Wessal Nabil, said injury or lack of mobility leaves families without food.
The WFP confirmed it has enough food in the region to feed Gaza for three months, pending access approval. Israel has tightened restrictions since March, aiming to pressure Hamas, which it accuses of holding hostages. Hamas, in turn, accuses Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war
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