Trump revealed that the U.S. has already provided $60 million in humanitarian assistance and urged other nations to contribute more significantly. He mentioned a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in which she assured him that European countries would dramatically increase their support
By Afolabi Ayodele
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday emphasized that the immediate focus in Gaza should be on delivering food aid, highlighting the desperate hunger facing the population. Speaking at his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump said, “You have a lot of starving people. Right now, the top priority is getting them fed.”
Trump revealed that the U.S. has already provided $60 million in humanitarian assistance and urged other nations to contribute more significantly. He mentioned a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in which she assured him that European countries would dramatically increase their support.
“We’re putting in a lot of money and food, and other countries are starting to do the same,” Trump stated. “It’s a disaster over there. People need food and security immediately.”
Prime Minister Starmer echoed Trump’s sentiments, calling the situation in Gaza a “humanitarian catastrophe.” He added, “People in the U.K. are horrified by what they’re seeing on their screens.”
Trump refrained from commenting on the ongoing diplomatic efforts to establish Palestinian statehood, including French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent push in that direction. He also criticized Hamas for refusing to release more hostages—both living and deceased—and indicated that he had advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to consider alternative approaches.
“I told Bibi [Netanyahu] that maybe they need to handle it differently,” Trump said, reiterating remarks he had made earlier.
When asked about the possibility of a ceasefire, Trump responded, “A ceasefire is possible, but you have to get it. You have to end it,” though he did not elaborate on what a resolution might entail.
Trump underscored the urgency of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, noting that the group had changed its stance and was no longer cooperating. Hamas has said it is willing to free hostages as part of a broader ceasefire deal. A U.S.-supported proposal is currently under discussion, with talks held in Doha last week. Hamas submitted a response, but Israel withdrew its delegation soon after.
Over the weekend, Trump remarked that Israel would ultimately need to decide how to proceed, stating, “I know what I’d do, but I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to say it.”
Israel has begun efforts to improve aid access by conducting air drops and implementing daily humanitarian pauses in three zones within Gaza, along with new secure routes for aid convoys. However, United Nations agencies argue these steps fall short in addressing the dire needs of Gaza’s population.
According to the Gaza health ministry, at least 14 people died of hunger and malnutrition within the past 24 hours, raising the total starvation-related death toll since the war began to 147. Among the victims are 89 children—many of whom died in recent weeks alone.
Israel imposed a full blockade on Gaza in March, later reopening access with heightened restrictions in May. While Israeli officials maintain they are complying with international law and seek to prevent aid diversion by militants, they place responsibility for the humanitarian crisis squarely on Hamas.
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