US to Open Food Centres in Gaza as Hunger Crisis Deepens. Trump, Starmer urge ceasefire amid worsening humanitarian crisis and mounting global pressure.
The United States has announced the establishment of food centres in Gaza to combat a growing humanitarian disaster, as the territory faces a worsening hunger crisis caused by months of conflict and severe restrictions on aid. The initiative, revealed by President Donald Trump during a joint press briefing with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland, comes amid global concern over famine-like conditions and mounting pressure on international actors to ensure aid reaches civilians in urgent need. The announcement of US-supported food centres marks a significant escalation in efforts to address the humanitarian emergency in Gaza, where at least 147 people — including 89 children — have died from starvation and malnutrition, according to Gaza’s health ministry. These deaths occurred amid ongoing Israeli military operations and delays in the delivery of aid.
Food Centres to Provide Unrestricted Access for Starving Civilians
President Trump emphasized the need for immediate humanitarian relief, declaring that the US will build food centres “where the people can walk in — and no boundaries. We’re not going to have fences.” The move is aimed at simplifying access for civilians in Gaza who have been unable to obtain consistent food supplies for months. Trump stated that the United States has already allocated $60 million for humanitarian assistance in Gaza. He urged other countries, especially those in Europe, to follow suit, revealing discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who reportedly promised increased support from EU nations. “The number one priority is getting food to people,” Trump said, noting the urgency of the situation. “We’re giving a lot of money and a lot of food, and other nations are now stepping up. It’s a mess. They have to get food and safety right now.” The proposed food centres are part of a broader humanitarian push by Washington, designed to bypass complicated aid delivery routes and ensure that supplies are not held up by logistics or security checks. Trump refrained from detailing the exact locations or operational control of the centres but hinted that they would operate under a neutral humanitarian mandate, likely involving international agencies such as the World Food Programme or UNRWA.
International Pressure Mounts as Gaza Hunger Death Toll Rises
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated sharply since March, when Israel cut off all aid supplies in response to security concerns. While some aid access was restored in May under new conditions, UN agencies have warned that the current levels of food, water, and medical deliveries remain far below what is needed to prevent widespread famine. On Monday, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that 14 more individuals, including children, had died in the past 24 hours due to starvation and malnutrition. These deaths brought the war’s total toll from hunger-related causes to 147. UN officials described the crisis as “entirely man-made” and “preventable.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed these concerns at the joint press briefing, describing the situation in Gaza as “absolutely intolerable.” He stated that “food aid needs to be moved into the enclave quickly” and that international pressure on Israel to facilitate aid delivery was essential. “We need to galvanise other countries in support of getting that aid in, and yes, that does involve putting pressure on Israel,” Starmer said. “Because it absolutely is a humanitarian catastrophe.”
US to Open Food Centres in Gaza as Hunger Crisis Deepens; Ceasefire Calls Grow Amid Palestinian Statehood Debate
Alongside the humanitarian announcements, the leaders touched on broader geopolitical issues, including the prospects for a ceasefire and long-term resolution. Both Trump and Starmer expressed agreement on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to allow aid to flow and lives to be saved. When asked about the possibility of recognizing Palestinian statehood — a move recently backed by French President Emmanuel Macron — Trump declined to comment. “I’m not going to take a position on Palestinian statehood at the moment,” he said. Instead, his focus remained on immediate humanitarian goals. Trump also criticized Hamas for failing to agree to the release of hostages held in Gaza. “I told [Israeli PM] Bibi that you have to maybe do it a different way,” Trump said, suggesting Israel reconsider its military tactics. The comment follows reports that Hamas has signaled willingness to release hostages under a US-backed ceasefire deal — a proposal Israel responded to by withdrawing from talks in Doha just hours after receiving Hamas’s response.
Israeli Measures Fall Short of Preventing Starvation, Say UN Agencies
Over the weekend, Israel announced a series of new measures aimed at facilitating humanitarian access. These included daily “humanitarian pauses” in three areas of Gaza, new safe corridors for aid convoys, and an air drop of essential supplies. However, humanitarian groups including the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and World Food Programme (WFP) stated that these steps, while welcome, remain inadequate. Aid trucks continue to face delays at border crossings, and the volume of relief entering Gaza falls far short of the minimum threshold required to stave off famine. As of late July, UN officials estimated that less than 40% of the needed food shipments were reaching northern and central Gaza. Infrastructure damage, lack of coordination, and ongoing airstrikes have severely hindered distribution efforts.
Geopolitical Reactions and Future Humanitarian Strategy
The US plan to establish food centres in Gaza may represent a shift in global humanitarian strategy, moving toward more direct aid delivery mechanisms. Discussions are reportedly underway between the US and several European and Middle Eastern governments to coordinate logistics and ensure that aid is not intercepted or misused. White House officials confirmed that follow-up talks will include representatives from the United Nations, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan — all of which have been involved in regional mediation and aid efforts. The goal, according to a senior State Department official, is “to build a durable humanitarian corridor that can function independently of military developments.” Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has hinted at plans for additional funding tranches beyond the initial $60 million, particularly if allies increase their own commitments. The upcoming G7 summit is expected to include formal discussions on expanding the humanitarian response in Gaza and the surrounding region.
Conclusion: US to Open Food Centres in Gaza as Hunger Crisis Deepens
As Gaza grapples with an intensifying hunger crisis, the US initiative to set up food centres provides a potential lifeline for thousands of civilians cut off from food and water. However, success will depend on swift implementation, coordination with local and international actors, and security guarantees to allow unimpeded access. While the humanitarian effort is a critical step, broader solutions will require a ceasefire, meaningful diplomatic engagement, and long-term political resolve to address the underlying causes of Gaza’s suffering. For now, the world watches as Gaza teeters on the edge of famine — and whether the food centres can prevent further tragedy remains an open question.
