U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Gaza is facing "genuine starvation," calling on Israel to provide food to the people, apparently adjusting his position regarding the humanitarian crisis in the area as pictures of undernourished children have raised fresh concerns about hunger within the territory.
In Scotland, Trump stated that the US and other countries are providing funds and supplies to Gaza, but he claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "needs to somewhat take charge of it."
I want him to ensure they receive the food," Trump stated. "I want to make sure they receive the food.
Trump's remarks appeared to be influenced by the recent images highlighting the deteriorating food shortage in Gaza, and were more pressing compared to his previous message about the 21-month Israel-Hamas conflict last week, when peace negotiations stalled.
His comments on Monday also signaled a new split from Netanyahu, following the two leaders' growing closeness after their countries' joint attacks in Iran.
The U.S. president was questioned about whether he supported Netanyahu's remarks made on Sunday, during which the Israeli leader stated, "There is no policy of starvation in Gaza and there is no starvation in Gaza."
I'm not sure," Trump responded on Monday. "I mean, from what I've seen on TV, I'd say not really because those kids appear quite hungry.
United States to establish food centers in Gaza
Amid growing global condemnation, the Israeli defense forces started dropping supplies over the weekend, alongside brief halts in combat in three densely populated regions of Gaza for 10 hours daily to facilitate aid delivery.
On Friday, Trump showed a degree of acceptance regarding the circumstances in Gaza following the withdrawal of US and Israeli negotiation teams from discussions in Qatar aimed at achieving a ceasefire.
Trump mentioned last week that Hamas was probably "going to be pursued" and commented on Israel, saying, "They will need to fight and they will need to resolve the situation."
However, Trump appeared more ready to take action on Monday as reports of deaths caused by starvation and pictures of individuals, particularly young children and babies, struggling to obtain food kept coming to light over the weekend, prompting global condemnation.
The U.S. president, during his meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, mentioned that the U.S. would "establish food centers," though he provided no details.
The White House did not immediately possess further details regarding the facilities.
International outcry grows louder
Although Trump encouraged Netanyahu to increase aid delivery, the US president encountered comparable requests.
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stated during a TV speech on Monday that Trump is "the person capable of halting the conflict, providing assistance, and putting an end to this hardship."
Please, do everything possible to halt this conflict and provide the assistance," el-Sissi stated, speaking to Trump during his comments, and continued, "I think it's time to put an end to this war.
Trump claimed that Hamas has taken food and assistance meant for people in Gaza, but when a reporter questioned him about Israel's responsibility for restricting aid to the region, he responded, "Israel bears a great deal of responsibility."
"We must assist on a humanitarian level before taking any other actions. We need to ensure the children are fed," Trump stated.
Starmer was more resolute than Trump, describing it as "a dire situation" in Gaza.
"I believe individuals in the UK are disgusted by what they are witnessing on their screens," he stated.
Starmer, under pressure from his Labour Party toacknowledge a Palestinian state as France did last week, stated that the UK backs Palestinian statehood but it needs to be part of a strategy for a two-state resolution.
Trump mentioned last week that France's acknowledgment of a Palestinian state "has no significance."
I won't be taking a stance," Trump stated on Monday regarding the recognition of a Palestinian state. He further mentioned about Starmer, "I don't have an issue with him expressing an opinion.
The remarks were made as the UN General Assembly on Monday convened senior officials to advocate for a two-state resolution to the long-standing Israel-Palestinian dispute.
Israel and the United States are refusing to attend the two-day gathering.