Trump Breaks With Netanyahu, Acknowledges ‘Real Starvation’ in Gaza/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged “real starvation” in Gaza and pledged to work with European allies to expand humanitarian aid. His comments marked a shift away from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s denial of a food crisis. Trump also hinted at frustration with Israel’s approach while stopping short of supporting Palestinian statehood.
Gaza Crisis and Trump’s Shift Quick Looks
- Trump admits to “real starvation” in Gaza for the first time
- Announces plans to “set up food centers” with European partners
- Contradicts Netanyahu, who claims there is “no starvation”
- Made comments during meeting with UK PM Keir Starmer in Scotland
- Says TV images of malnourished children influenced his stance
- Starmer calls Gaza a “catastrophe”, urges more international aid
- UK, France, Germany press Israel to lift aid restrictions
- Trump warns aid may be stolen by Hamas, despite debunked claims
- Israel Defense Forces begin airdrops and open UN corridors
- Trump says he told Netanyahu to “maybe do it a different way”
- Still opposes recognizing Palestinian state but supports aid expansion
- Over 200 UK MPs back immediate recognition of Palestine
Deep Look: Trump Breaks With Netanyahu, Recognizes Gaza Hunger and Calls for Aid
EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — In a notable shift from previous statements, President Donald Trump on Monday acknowledged that “real starvation” is taking place in Gaza, signaling a break with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official position that no such crisis exists.
Speaking from his Turnberry golf resort during a bilateral meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump said that recent media footage of malnourished children had convinced him of the severity of the situation.
“Based on television … those children look very hungry,” Trump said. “Some of those kids are — that’s real starvation stuff.”
U.S. to Coordinate Gaza Food Relief With Europe
Trump announced that the U.S. will partner with European allies to establish food centers inside Gaza. He framed this effort as part of a broader humanitarian response that goes beyond what has been done thus far by the Israeli government, which has faced mounting international criticism.
“We’re giving a lot of money and a lot of food, and other nations are now stepping up,” he added.
These remarks mark a noticeable departure from Trump’s tone just days earlier, when he aligned more closely with Netanyahu. The change coincides with a surge in international condemnation of Israel’s handling of the humanitarian crisis, especially following the publication of distressing images of emaciated children and civilian casualties.
Tensions With Netanyahu Over War Strategy
Trump also confirmed that he spoke with Netanyahu over the weekend and conveyed his dissatisfaction with the current military and humanitarian strategy in Gaza.
“I told Israel, I told Bibi, that you have to now maybe do it a different way,” Trump said, in one of his most pointed critiques of Israel’s war policy to date.
Despite his critique, Trump continued to criticize Hamas, saying the group has failed to release the remaining hostages and may be involved in diverting aid. He reiterated concerns—despite debunked reports—that some humanitarian assistance might be intercepted by militants.
Growing Pressure From U.S. Allies
Trump’s remarks reflect a widening divide between Israel and several of its Western allies. The United Kingdom, France, and Germany issued a joint statement calling for an end to the war and urging Israel to lift restrictions on aid deliveries.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was especially direct in his conversation with Trump. “What’s happening in Gaza is an absolute catastrophe,” Starmer said. “People in Britain are revolted at what they’re seeing on their screens.”
He thanked Trump for his emerging leadership on the issue and emphasized the need to intensify aid delivery and push for a ceasefire.
The humanitarian discussion follows the publication of a letter signed by over 200 British MPs, demanding immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood. Starmer has not committed to a timeline for recognition, but has openly supported the idea as an “inalienable right of the Palestinian people.”
Aid Airdrops and Humanitarian Corridors Begin
In response to growing global criticism, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Saturday that airdrop operations would commence and humanitarian corridors would be opened for United Nations convoys. Still, the Israeli government continues to deny claims of widespread hunger, asserting that Hamas has manipulated data and footage.
Bucking that narrative, Trump insisted, “I see it, and you can’t fake that.” His remarks suggest the White House may now take a more active role in coordinating aid outside of Israel’s direct control.
No Support for Palestinian Statehood — Yet
Although Trump appeared moved by the suffering in Gaza, he made clear that he does not support recognizing a Palestinian state, distancing himself from European allies such as French President Emmanuel Macron, who last week announced that France would do so.
Trump has long resisted formal statehood recognition, viewing it as contingent on Palestinian leadership reform and Israeli security guarantees. Still, his softer tone on humanitarian relief represents a strategic recalibration in the U.S. response to the ongoing crisis.
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