Aboard Air Force One – U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that he urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow the entry of food and medicine into the war-torn Gaza Strip. The comments came during an in-flight press briefing, where Trump shared details of their recent conversation.
No humanitarian aid has entered Gaza since March 2. Israel has maintained that no supplies will be allowed until Hamas releases the remaining hostages. Meanwhile, the United Nations World Food Programme announced earlier Friday that it has exhausted its food stocks in the region.
When asked whether humanitarian concerns were discussed during his call with Netanyahu, Trump responded: “Gaza came up and I said, ‘We’ve got to be good to Gaza… Those people are suffering.’” He confirmed that the issue of opening access points for aid was addressed, stating, “We’re going to take care of that. There’s a very big need for medicine, food, and medicine, and we’re taking care of it.”
Pressed on Netanyahu’s response, Trump simply said: “Felt well about it.”
The current humanitarian crisis in Gaza stems from the ongoing war triggered on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack in southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking around 251 hostages.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric underscored the gravity of the situation: “Hunger is spreading in Gaza, malnutrition is deepening, injured people and other patients remain untreated, and – as we have said before – people are dying.”
Tensions over aid delivery were also evident within the Israeli security cabinet this week. Defense Minister Israel Katz opposed conventional aid routes, warning they could bolster Hamas. “This only strengthens Hamas. Aid will be distributed by IDF soldiers or American companies instead,” he stated, adding that he believes no immediate additional aid is necessary.
However, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir countered Katz’s position, declaring, “We will not starve the Gaza Strip,” and refusing IDF involvement in aid distribution. His comments led to a sharp rebuke from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who accused Zamir of disregarding government policy: “If you are saying you are incapable of appointing someone to do this, then you can be replaced.”
The internal debate highlights growing pressure on Israeli leadership amid worsening conditions in Gaza and increasing international concern.
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