Washington DC [US], May 17 (ANI): Amid the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, US President Donald Trump has highlighted the need for humanitarian assistance to Gaza, stressing that many people in the region are experiencing severe food shortages.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, “A lot of good things are going to happen over the next month. We have to help out the Palestinians. A lot of people are starving in Gaza, so we have to look at both sides. But we are going to do a good job.”
The World Food Programme (WFP) issued a report on Monday warning that the population in Gaza is at severe risk of famine as the conflict intensifies, border crossings remain closed, and food becomes increasingly scarce. Since March 2, humanitarian aid has been blocked, worsening hunger and malnutrition across the region.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) snapshot released on May 12 revealed that approximately 470,000 people in Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger (IPC Phase 5), while the entire population suffers from acute food insecurity. The report also projected a rise in acute malnutrition, with 71,000 children and over 17,000 mothers urgently needing treatment.
UN World Food Programme’s Executive Director Cindy McCain expressed grave concern, saying, “Families in Gaza are starving while the food they need is sitting at the border. We can’t get it to them because of the renewed conflict and the total ban on humanitarian aid imposed in early March. It’s imperative that the international community acts urgently to get aid flowing into Gaza again.”
The IPC report indicated that most children in Gaza face extreme food deprivation, with critical shortages of health services, clean water, and sanitation contributing to rising malnutrition rates in North Gaza, Gaza, and Rafah governorates.
Trump’s call for aid reflects growing international concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as diplomatic efforts continue to address the ongoing conflict. (ANI)
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