Riyadh, May 16, 2025: U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza on Friday, stating that “a lot of people are starving” in the besieged enclave. His remarks came during a press interaction in Riyadh, the final stop of his first foreign tour since beginning his second term.
Trump’s visit included several Gulf countries but notably did not include Israel, a key U.S. ally. His comments follow renewed violence in Gaza, where more than 50 people have reportedly been killed in Israeli air strikes since midnight, according to local rescue teams.
A two-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed in March. Since then, Israel has reinstated a full blockade on Gaza, prompting aid agencies to warn of catastrophic food shortages and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Backing humanitarian assistance for Palestinians, Trump said he anticipated positive developments in the coming weeks. “We have to help out the Palestinians. A lot of people are starving in Gaza, so we have to look at both sides,” he told reporters.
When asked whether he supported Israel’s reported plans to expand its military campaign in Gaza, Trump remained noncommittal but optimistic. “I think a lot of good things are going to happen over the next month, and we’re going to see,” he said.
The President’s comments come amid growing international pressure on all parties to de-escalate tensions and ensure humanitarian access to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
