Trump Highlights Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, US President Donald Trump emphasized the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where many people are experiencing critical food shortages. He noted that a lot of individuals in the region are struggling with hunger.

Speaking while aboard Air Force One, Trump remarked, “A lot of good things will happen next month. We need to assist the Palestinians. Many people are hungry in Gaza, so we have to consider both sides.”

The World Food Programme (WFP) released a report indicating the growing risk of hunger as the population in Gaza continues to struggle. Trump pointed out that the level of hunger and malnutrition has sharply escalated since aid was halted on March 2nd.

According to an Integrated Food Security Stage Classification (IPC) snapshot issued on May 12, approximately 470,000 individuals in Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger (IPC phase 5), with the entire population experiencing acute food insecurity.

The report also highlights a concerning rise in acute malnutrition, predicting that around 71,000 children and over 17,000 mothers will require urgent medical attention. Earlier in 2025, estimates suggested that 60,000 children would need treatment.

Cindy McCain, executive director of the United Nations World Food Program, stated, “Families in Gaza are starving, yet aid cannot reach them as the food they desperately need remains stuck at the border due to ongoing conflicts and a complete cessation of humanitarian assistance that began in early March.”

The report, supported by 17 UN agencies and NGOs, confirms that most children in Gaza are facing extreme food deprivation. A rapid increase in acute malnutrition is anticipated in areas like Northern Gaza, coupled with severely limited access to healthcare and significant shortages of clean water and sanitation.