New York [US], July 29: US President Donald Trump on Monday described the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip as "terrible," and said hungry Palestinian children must be helped.
"We have to get the kids fed," Trump said during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland, adding that the children in Gaza look "very hungry." His remarks came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted there is "no starvation" occurring in Gaza.
"You know, we want to help. It's a terrible situation. The whole thing is terrible," Trump said, adding that he would bring up the issue with Netanyahu when they next speak.
He announced plans for the US to help establish "food centres" in Gaza, but did not provide specifics beyond calling it a multinational initiative. "We're going to set up food centres and we're going to do it in conjunction with some very good people," he said.
"We've got a lot of money and we're going to spend a little money on some food and other nations are joining us. I know your nation's joining us," Trump said to Starmer, "and we have all of the European nations joining us."
Trump said that the US had provided $60 million in food aid for Gaza in recent weeks. "We only hope the food goes to the people that need it," he said.
Asked about Israel's role in ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians, Trump responded: "Israel has a lot of responsibility."
However, he added that Israel's power to act is "hampered by the fact" that Hamas and other militant groups continue to hold dozens of hostages in Gaza.
Since March, Israel has permitted only limited aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip.
The resulting shortages of food and water have prompted warnings from UN agencies of "catastrophic hunger" and imminent famine.
Source: Qatar Tribune
