Trump Sends Officials to Gaza Amid Hunger Crisis to Oversee Emergency Food Aid Plans

President Donald Trump is sending two senior officials to Gaza on August 1 to evaluate the worsening hunger crisis and inspect food distribution centers amid growing global concern.

Steven Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, will visit affected communities, meet with local Gazans, and work on securing a detailed food aid plan. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the trip aims to address the dire humanitarian needs on the ground.

“They will ensure a robust strategy to deliver food aid and personally listen to the suffering of local people,” Leavitt told reporters on July 31.

After their visit, Witkoff and Huckabee will report back to Trump to finalize the U.S. administration’s strategy for food and humanitarian aid, as Israel’s conflict with Hamas continues to strain resources in Gaza.

Earlier on July 31, both officials held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about accelerating food deliveries. Trump, expressing concern, said:

“It’s terrible what’s happening. People are very hungry. We gave $60 million for food, but we don’t see the outcome. Israel must ensure aid gets through.”

According to a recent alert from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, Gaza faces an imminent risk of famine. The World Food Programme has reported that a third of Gaza’s population is going without food for days, and 25% are suffering from famine-like conditions. Local health officials claim over 100 deaths due to malnutrition in recent days.

In a rare rebuke, Trump distanced himself from Netanyahu’s denial of starvation in Gaza:

“I disagree. I believe more food should be allowed in.”

The humanitarian mission comes as graphic images of emaciated children in Gaza spark international outrage, with Israel denying accusations of using starvation as a weapon of war.

Additionally, Trump revealed that Witkoff will travel to Russia after the Gaza visit to push for a ceasefire in Ukraine, signaling a broader diplomatic effort.

“He’s going to Israel, then to Russia—believe it or not,” Trump told reporters.