TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly the growing number of children suffering from hunger.
Speaking during a visit to Turnberry, Scotland, on Monday, July 28, 2025, Trump described scenes he had witnessed on television showing the dire conditions faced by Palestinian civilians.
"Those children look very hungry," Trump told NBC News. "You can't fake that," he added.
Trump challenged a previous claim by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who denied there is hunger in Gaza. The U.S. President emphasized that the situation on the ground tells a different story and urged for immediate aid distribution.
"I think Israel can do a lot," Trump said. He explained that he planned to raise the issue with Netanyahu directly, stressing the need to guarantee that humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in need. "I want him to make sure they get the food. I want to make sure they get the food, every ounce of food."
While underscoring the importance of aid delivery, Trump also addressed the failure of ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. He blamed Hamas for misappropriating humanitarian supplies.
"We’ve given a lot of money to Gaza for food and everything else. A lot of that money is stolen by Hamas, and a lot of the food is stolen," Trump said.
Vice President and UK Back Trump’s Position
U.S. Vice President JD Vance echoed Trump’s sentiments during a visit to Canton, Ohio. He said the administration is "very worried about the humanitarian problem in Gaza" and reiterated the need to ensure that food reaches starving children.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticized the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Calling the situation "completely unacceptable," Starmer said. "I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they are seeing on their screens."
He added that international efforts to deliver aid must be stepped up, including pressuring Israel to allow more access.
Rising Death Toll from Hunger
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 14 people, including two children, died from hunger and malnutrition in the past 24 hours.
The total number of hunger-related deaths since the start of the war has climbed to 147, with children accounting for 88 of the fatalities. The United Nations noted that most of these deaths have occurred in recent months.
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said that although Israel’s announcement of temporary humanitarian pauses is a step forward, it is insufficient.
"This is progress, but vast amounts of aid are needed to stave off famine and a catastrophic health crisis," Fletcher warned.
The Times of Israel reported that the Israeli military began implementing 10-hour daily "tactical pauses" in three densely populated areas of Gaza last Sunday.
However, COGAT, the Israeli agency overseeing civilian affairs in Palestinian territories, said fewer than 30 food packages had been airdropped. Israeli authorities continue to deny reports of widespread hunger, dismissing images circulating online as isolated or misleading.
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