US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that “a lot of people are starving” in the besieged Gaza Strip, where rescuers reported over 50 deaths due to Israeli air strikes since midnight. His comments on Gaza occurred as he concluded the first foreign tour of his second term, which included visits to several Gulf countries but not to Israel.
A two-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed in March after Israel reinstated a total blockade on Gaza, leading to severe food shortages, according to aid agencies. On Friday, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported 56 deaths from Israeli strikes since midnight, with medics noting dozens more injuries.
Trump, speaking to reporters in Abu Dhabi, mentioned, “We’re looking at Gaza. And we’re going to get that taken care of. A lot of people are starving.”
Israel ceased aid to Gaza on March 2 as a strategy to force concessions from Hamas, which currently holds dozens of Israeli hostages taken in October 2023. On Thursday, Hamas declared that the restoration of humanitarian aid was “the minimum requirement” for negotiations and insisted that Gaza was not “for sale,” rejecting Trump’s suggestion of turning it into “a freedom zone.”
The recent Israeli strikes incited fear in northern Gaza. A resident, Umm Mohammed al-Tatari, recounted waking to explosions and witnessing destruction. Another resident, Ahmed Nasr, described ongoing bombing and a constant sense of danger.
Hamas initiated the conflict in October 2023 with an unprecedented attack on Israel, resulting in 1,218 deaths, mainly civilians. Of the 251 hostages taken, 57 remain in Gaza, with 34 confirmed dead by the military. The health ministry in Gaza reported 2,876 deaths since Israel resumed strikes on March 18, bringing the total toll to 53,010.
Israeli media reported military escalation in Gaza following a government-approved plan to retake the territory. The army said it was investigating the reports.
Israel’s main organization representing hostage families criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for missing an “historic opportunity” to secure the hostages’ release. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed concern over intensified attacks and the conclusion of Trump’s visit. Meanwhile, another group, the Tikva Forum, called for increased military pressure and a complete siege.
The United Nations estimates that 70% of Gaza is now either a no-go zone or under evacuation orders. UN agencies have warned of dwindling supplies of food, water, fuel, and medicines. The World Health Organization reported that the last hospital in Gaza offering cancer and cardiac care ceased functioning after being severely damaged by an Israeli attack.
UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese accused Israel of “killing what’s left of Humanity.” Israel maintains its actions aim to pressure Hamas into releasing the hostages. However, senior Hamas official Basem Naim emphasized that access to essential supplies is a fundamental human right. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-supported NGO, plans to distribute aid in Gaza after discussions with Israeli officials, but the United Nations has opted out of the initiative.
