Trump Expresses Concern Over Starvation in Gaza, Contradicting Netanyahu

President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the US will build food centers in Gaza. 

The Details: “We have to help on a humanitarian basis before we do anything. We have to get the kids fed,” Trump said Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday, “There is no policy of starvation in Gaza and there is no starvation in Gaza.” Trump responded to Netanyahu’s claim with skepticism. 

Trump’s Stance: “If we weren’t there, I think people would have starved, frankly. They would have starved, and it’s not like they’re eating well, but a lot of that food is getting stolen by Hamas,” Trump said on Sunday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly denied the claims that Palestinians are stealing aid tactically. Trump also placed some blame on the Israeli Parliament, saying it “has a lot of responsibility.” Trump asserted, “Israel’s going to have to make a decision. I know what I’d do, but I don’t think it’s appropriate that I say.”

For Context: Israel announced it would initiate intermittent ceasefires to allow humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians in the Gaza strip, on Sunday. The World Health Organization reported Sunday that 63 Gazans have died of malnutrition in July so far.

How The Media Covered It: Media across the political spectrum found common ground in emphasizing aid as a necessity, though outlets on the left highlighted more Palestinian-specific crisis stories. Outlets on the left also focused more on Trump’s clash with Netanyahu, while Center and Right-rated outlets focused on Trump’s claim that Hamas is stealing and selling aid. CBN (Right bias) said Trump’s aid decision drew “both international praise and sharp criticism from inside Israel,” highlighting that families of hostages think the move takes pressure off Hamas. CBS (Lean Left) framed the move positively: “If it works, it will allow much needed food to finally reach the people who so badly need it.”

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