Trump Demands Israel Deliver All Food Aid to Gaza
Former US President Cites “Real Starvation” Amidst UK Visit
In a significant shift, Donald Trump has publicly urged Israel to permit “every ounce of food” into Gaza, directly contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s earlier claims that allegations of induced hunger were false.
Rebuking Netanyahu on Gaza Crisis
Speaking during his visit to Scotland, Trump stated he was observing the situation on television and concluded, “those children look very hungry.” He added, “We can save a lot of people, I mean some of those kids. That’s real starvation; I see it and you can’t fake that. So we’re going to be even more involved.”
Trump indicated he told Netanyahu, referred to as “Bibi,” that Israel needed to adopt a different approach to the conflict.
US presidential candidate Donald Trump called on Israel to allow ‘every ounce of food’ into Gaza, admitting for the first time that there is ‘real starvation’ in the Palestinian enclave. https://t.co/0n6r6p9w1E
— The Guardian (@TheGuardian) August 1, 2025
The UN and various humanitarian organizations attribute the dire situation in Gaza, where dozens have reportedly died from hunger in recent weeks, to Israel’s strict blockade on aid entry.
Divergence on Ukraine Policy
During a lengthy press conference at his Turnberry resort, Trump also expressed growing impatience with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing war in Ukraine. He vowed to implement sanctions against Russia’s trading partners within 10 to 12 days if a ceasefire isn’t achieved.
“We thought we had that settled numerous times, and then President Putin goes out and starts launching rockets into some city like Kyiv and kills a lot of people in a nursing home or whatever,” Trump said. “You have bodies lying all over the street, and I say that’s not the way to do it.”
—Donald Trump, Former US President
Trump indicated he would shorten his proposed 50-day deadline for a ceasefire to between 10 and 12 days before enacting secondary sanctions on nations trading with Russia.
Domestic Political Advice
Trump also offered unsolicited advice to British leader Keir Starmer, urging him to lower taxes and address illegal immigration to secure victory in the next election. He praised both Starmer and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as “good men.”
Starmer, who met Trump in Scotland, privately raised concerns about Gaza during their discussions, according to government sources. At their joint press conference, Starmer described the situation in Gaza as an “absolute catastrophe” and stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire.
Recent reports indicate that over 300,000 children in Gaza are suffering from acute malnutrition, a stark illustration of the escalating humanitarian crisis. (UNICEF, 2024)
Protests and Calls for Recognition
Trump‘s visit also drew protests in Scotland, with demonstrators gathering near his Aberdeenshire golf course to voice opposition to the war in Gaza and Trump‘s broader policies on immigration and human rights.
Meanwhile, Starmer is preparing to convene an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the Gaza crisis. The UK is reportedly working with France and Germany on a peace plan, and the government faces increasing pressure from MPs to recognize Palestine as a state, following a similar announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron.
