Washington/Gaza, July 28, 2025:US President Donald Trump on Monday announced plans to set up “food centres” across Gaza to tackle the escalating hunger crisis in the war-torn Palestinian territory, where famine-like conditions are reportedly worsening by the day.
“We’re going to set up food centres where people can walk in — and no boundaries, no fences,” Trump told reporters during a press conference in Scotland alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The announcement comes amid mounting international pressure to address Gaza’s humanitarian emergency, with the US having already committed $60 million in humanitarian aid. Trump added that European nations were also stepping up support, citing a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Trump emphasized that feeding the people of Gaza was his administration’s “number one priority” but refrained from commenting on the issue of Palestinian statehood. “It’s a mess. They have to get food and safety right now,” he stated.
Echoing these sentiments, Prime Minister Starmer described the situation in Gaza as an “absolute catastrophe” and “absolutely intolerable,” stressing the need for swift delivery of food aid. He also acknowledged the role of international pressure, particularly on Israel, to ensure humanitarian access. “We need to galvanise other countries in support of getting that aid in, and yes, that does involve putting pressure on Israel,” he said.
Trump also criticized Hamas for not releasing more hostages and suggested that Israel may need to reconsider its approach to the conflict. “I told Bibi [Israeli PM Netanyahu] that you have to maybe do it a different way,” Trump remarked.
Asked about the prospects for a ceasefire, Trump said it was “possible,” though he did not offer details. He reiterated the urgency of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, accusing the group of reversing its position on the matter.
Meanwhile, efforts for a ceasefire remain stalled. Hamas recently submitted its response to a US-backed ceasefire plan during negotiations in Doha, but Israel withdrew its delegation shortly thereafter.
Over the weekend, Israel introduced new humanitarian measures, including daily pauses in fighting and the establishment of safe corridors for aid convoys. However, UN agencies say these efforts fall short of meeting the needs of the population.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 14 people — including several children — died of starvation and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the total hunger-related death toll to 147 since the conflict escalated, with 89 of the victims being children.
Israel cut off all supplies to Gaza in early March, partially reopening routes under new restrictions in May. While Israel maintains it complies with international law, it has blamed Hamas for diverting aid and exacerbating the suffering of civilians.
