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Monday 23/02/2026

Trump Acknowledges Gaza Starvation Amid Calls for Increased Humanitarian Aid

Donald Trump and Keir Starmer discuss Gaza starvation crisis
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Donald Trump acknowledged "real starvation" in Gaza, contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's denial of a hunger crisis.
  • The UN and humanitarian organizations stress the urgent need for increased aid, as current deliveries are insufficient to meet Gaza's needs.
  • Israel has initiated "tactical pauses" in military operations to allow aid into Gaza, but critics argue these measures are inadequate.
  • Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister, is pressing for a stronger international response and has called the situation in Gaza a "humanitarian crisis".
  • The World Health Organization warns of a dangerous trajectory in Gaza's malnutrition rates, with a significant increase in deaths reported.

During a visit to the UK, US President Donald Trump publicly recognized the severe starvation crisis in Gaza, challenging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assertion that no such crisis exists. Speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump emphasized the need for immediate food and safety measures for the people of Gaza, stating, "Those children look very hungry... that's real starvation stuff."

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has drawn international attention, with the United Nations and various aid organizations calling for a significant increase in aid deliveries. Tom Fletcher, the UN's humanitarian chief, highlighted the dire need for "vast amounts" of food, describing current efforts as merely "a drop in the ocean."

Israel's Tactical Pauses and Aid Efforts

In response to mounting pressure, Israel has implemented daily "tactical pauses" in military operations, allowing for limited aid deliveries. These pauses, lasting 10 hours each day, aim to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, critics, including Oxfam, argue that these measures fall short of addressing the scale of the crisis. "What’s needed is the immediate opening of all crossings for full, unhindered, and safe aid delivery," stated Bushra Khalidi of Oxfam.

International Reactions and Political Implications

The crisis has prompted significant political discourse, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeling the situation an "absolute catastrophe." Starmer has urged for a more robust international response and is under pressure from his party to recognize a Palestinian state. Meanwhile, Trump has expressed frustration with the ongoing conflict, urging Israel to "do it a different way" and ensure aid reaches those in need.

Escalating Humanitarian Concerns

The World Health Organization has reported a troubling increase in malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza, with July witnessing a spike in fatalities. The organization warns that the situation is on a "dangerous trajectory," underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive aid solutions.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The acknowledgment of starvation in Gaza by a prominent figure like Donald Trump could catalyze international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis. If Israel continues to implement tactical pauses, it may ease some immediate suffering, but without a significant increase in aid, the situation is unlikely to improve substantially. The political pressure on leaders like Keir Starmer to recognize a Palestinian state could influence future diplomatic negotiations, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. As the crisis unfolds, the international community's response will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.