Donald Trump has contradicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assertion that there is no starvation in Gaza, saying that television images show children “look very hungry”. The US president spoke outside his Turnberry hotel in South Ayrshire on Monday before bilateral talks with Sir Keir Starmer.
Asked whether he agreed with Netanyahu, who earlier claimed there was no famine in Gaza, Trump replied: “I don’t know. Based on television, I would say not particularly, because those children look very hungry.” He added that the US and other nations were providing food aid but said “a lot of that food is stolen” by Hamas.
The president also criticised Israel’s conduct, stating: “Nobody’s done anything great over there. The whole place is a mess … I told Israel maybe they have to do it a different way.” Sir Keir Starmer, speaking alongside Trump, described the situation as a “real humanitarian crisis” and said people in Britain were “revolted at what they’re seeing on their screens”.
Trump expressed doubt that Hamas would release remaining Israeli hostages and said the US goal was “getting people fed right now”. He declined to take a position on the UK government’s commitment to recognising a Palestinian state.
The crisis in Gaza is a key topic in the leaders’ meeting, with Downing Street indicating Starmer would push for a tougher US stance on Israel and for a resumption of ceasefire talks. The prime minister is to hold an emergency cabinet meeting later this week.
