As the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates rapidly due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, former US President Donald Trump emphasized the need for immediate action to help starving Palestinians. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump acknowledged the dire food crisis in the region and called for balanced support.
“A lot of good things are going to happen over the next month. We have to help out the Palestinians. A lot of people are starving in Gaza, so we have to look at both sides,” Trump told reporters, signaling potential US involvement in humanitarian efforts.
UN Raises Alarm on Gaza Famine Risk
The World Food Programme (WFP) issued a stark warning that Gaza is on the brink of famine, citing severe restrictions on aid deliveries since March 2, when a complete ban on humanitarian aid was imposed amid renewed hostilities.
A May 12 snapshot from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) revealed:
- 470,000 people in Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger (IPC Phase 5).
- 100% of Gaza’s population is suffering from acute food insecurity.
- 71,000 children and over 17,000 mothers urgently need treatment for acute malnutrition.
The report anticipates that North Gaza, Gaza, and Rafah governorates will see a rapid spike in malnutrition, made worse by the collapse of health services, access to clean water, and sanitation.
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain: “It Will Be Too Late”
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain expressed grave concern:
“Families in Gaza are starving while the food they need is sitting at the border. We can’t get it to them because of the renewed conflict and the total ban on humanitarian aid. It’s imperative that the international community acts urgently… If we wait until after a famine is confirmed, it will already be too late for many people.”
Seventeen UN agencies and NGOs collaborated on the IPC report, confirming that nearly all children in Gaza are enduring extreme food deprivation, further increasing the risk of long-term health damage and child mortality.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Border Crossings Stay Shut
The blockade of aid and intensified military operations have left relief organizations unable to deliver food and essential supplies. While aid is reportedly stockpiled at border crossings, limited access and ongoing violence have paralyzed distribution efforts.
Calls are growing internationally for:
- Immediate reopening of border crossings,
- Establishment of humanitarian corridors, and
- Ceasefire agreements to allow unimpeded aid access.