President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will assist in delivering food aid to Gaza while holding Hamas responsible for worsening humanitarian conditions. His comments align with Israel’s recent decision to take over aid distribution, which has drawn international concern. The U.S. maintains support for civilians while distancing from Hamas.
Trump Pledges U.S. Food Aid to Gaza
In a press conference at the White House on May 5, President Donald Trump stated that the United States will help deliver food aid to Gaza, emphasizing the urgent humanitarian needs of civilians in the war-torn region. His remarks came after nearly 18 months of continuous Israeli bombardments following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that triggered the conflict.
“People are starving and we are going to help them get some food,” said Trump. “A lot of people are making it very bad.”
Blame Directed at Hamas for Crisis Conditions
President Trump made it clear that while the U.S. aims to support civilians in Gaza, he blames Hamas for worsening the humanitarian crisis.
“Hamas is making it impossible. They are taking everything that’s brought in,” Trump said. “We’re going to help the people of Gaza because they are being treated very badly by Hamas.”
He did not directly address Israel’s controversial aid blockade plan, focusing instead on condemning the militant group for misappropriating aid and prolonging civilian suffering.
Israel’s Control Over Aid Raises Concerns
Earlier, Israel announced it would halt all humanitarian aid and goods entering Gaza, citing national security and the need to weaken Hamas. The Israeli government also plans to replace U.N. and NGO-run aid kitchens with hubs managed by a U.S. security contractor.
This move has sparked alarm within the United Nations and among humanitarian organizations, who fear that replacing neutral aid agencies could undermine access to essential resources for Gaza’s 2 million residents.
Stalled Cease-Fire Negotiations Fuel Crisis
The current conflict intensified after cease-fire talks collapsed in March 2025. Israel has remained firm in its stance, stating that no agreement will be made until Hamas releases all remaining hostages. Meanwhile, the continued blockade has caused critical shortages of food and medicine across Gaza.
Israel defends the legality of its blockade, asserting that Gaza still has access to sufficient resources, a claim disputed by international aid groups.
U.S. Position: Support for Civilians, Isolation of Hamas
Trump’s comments reflect a dual-track strategy: providing humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilians while maintaining political and strategic pressure on Hamas. The approach signals continued U.S. engagement in Middle Eastern diplomacy while emphasizing that aid will not empower groups the administration views as threats.
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