Comments on Gaza Hunger Situation
Israeli Ambassador Mike Huckabee stated on Tuesday that there might be severe hunger in the Gaza Strip, while also asserting that the Palestinian group Hamas is misappropriating food aid sent to the area.
“I think there’s definitely hunger and deprivation, particularly in the parts of Gaza controlled by Hamas. That’s where the issues really arise,” Huckabee mentioned in an interview with News Nation’s Elizabeth Vargas.
He expressed confusion over why global leaders focus their pressure on Israel, especially considering the country contributes significant food supplies. “Last year alone, they made over $500 million from stolen food. What are they using it for? It’s to harm people,” Huckabee emphasized.
Recently, President Trump mentioned his concerns about “real starvation” in Gaza, which contrasts with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s denial of such claims. Huckabee suggested there was no reconciliation between Israeli officials and Trump’s views.
The United Nations has indicated that many children in Gaza are suffering from malnutrition but are not dying.
“There seems to be a perception from global media that things are improving. However, without ongoing humanitarian support… the consequences could be dire,” remarked James Elder, spokesman for the UN Children’s Fund.
Huckabee visited Gaza last Friday alongside Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and they checked out one of the distribution centers operated by the US-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
“It’s accurate that the GHF’s approach to distributing food isn’t flawless, but it’s functioning,” Huckabee noted. “When the president instructed us to initiate humanitarian operations, two conditions were set: one, we get food to those in need; and two, we ensure delivery isn’t intercepted by Hamas. That’s a major concern.”
“The food is available; it just doesn’t reach the people. According to the UN’s own evaluations, 87% of it gets stolen or diverted from trucks, which they somewhat euphemistically refer to as ‘self-distribution,'” he continued.
Trump was asked on Tuesday, following a meeting with security officials that included Netanyahu, about the possibility of exerting pressure on Israel to release Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) discussed strategies in response to the conflict that ignited on October 7, 2023.
“We’re actively working to provide assistance. Recently, about $60 million has been allocated from the US for food aid,” the president stated. “As for other matters, I can’t really comment just yet. The situation is nearing Israel’s borders.”
In a separate interview, Huckabee mentioned he believes the Trump administration hasn’t outlined a clear plan for the next steps. Nevertheless, he reiterated that the US should call for the condemnation and release of hostages filmed during the 2023 attacks, which were claimed by Hamas.
Hamas has been responsible for around 1,200 Israeli deaths and the taking of nearly 250 hostages in their terrorist actions. Following these events, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported over 60,000 Palestinian fatalities due to IDF actions, although this number does not differentiate between combatants and civilians.
