Trump pledges U.S. involvement amid escalating Israeli aggression in Gaza

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens under relentless Israeli bombardment, former U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged the growing starvation and suffering in the besieged enclave, promising that the United States will intervene to “take care of” the situation. His statement, made during his final stop in Abu Dhabi as part of a Gulf tour, marks a rare moment of recognition from a U.S. leader of the scale of devastation caused by Israel’s actions.

“We are monitoring the situation in Gaza,” Trump said, “and we will ensure it is addressed. Too many people are starving.” His comments come as airstrikes continue to pummel the already devastated territory, with Palestinian officials reporting the death of hundreds over the past few days.

Despite Israeli denials, widespread reports from humanitarian organizations and on-the-ground witnesses confirm that the suffocating blockade, now over ten weeks long, is exacerbating hunger and malnutrition across the Gaza Strip. Trump’s remarks appear to signal mounting tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv, particularly regarding the indiscriminate nature of Israel’s military operations.

Hopes had been high that Trump’s visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates might open the door to a renewed ceasefire or the resumption of humanitarian aid. However, the intensification of Israeli attacks over the past 72 hours has dashed such expectations, pushing the region closer to another breaking point. Palestinian authorities have reported over 250 fatalities from Israeli attacks in just two days, while Gaza’s Civil Defense noted that at least 50 people were killed in overnight strikes alone.

Medical sources at the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya confirmed the arrival of 48 bodies, mostly women and children. A further 16 were sent to Nasser Hospital after strikes on Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. A local doctor, who wished to remain unnamed, described the bloodshed as catastrophic: “Entire families have been wiped out. Most of the casualties are non-combatants.”

The human toll continues to rise, with civilians trapped in what many describe as a war zone devoid of any safe havens. According to Yousef al-Sultan, a resident of Beit Lahiya, “The Israeli occupation forces bombed a neighboring house while families were sleeping inside. We’re gripped by fear and panic, there’s no place to hide.”

In a move widely seen as collective punishment, Israel has tightened its siege in an effort to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages from last October’s operation. Of approximately 250 hostages initially taken, Israel claims 57 remain in Gaza, though less than half are believed to be alive. The campaign of destruction, framed by Tel Aviv as a retaliatory offensive, has resulted in the deaths of an estimated 53,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

The fragile ceasefire, which had briefly held in early January, collapsed in March after Israel reportedly refused to proceed with the next phase of negotiations. Israeli forces have since ramped up airstrikes, targeting urban centers and civilian infrastructure, including allegations of attacks near hospitals. Israel claims its targets include high-ranking Hamas figures hiding in underground tunnels, but these claims are contested, with Hamas strongly denying accusations of using civilians as human shields.

While ground operations have been limited, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has mobilized tens of thousands of reservists in preparation for a major offensive, further displacing Gaza’s population. Statements from Israeli ministers suggest intentions to “conquer” Gaza, an ambition viewed by many as a violation of international norms and a recipe for prolonged conflict.

In a controversial development, the U.S. has endorsed an Israeli-proposed system for delivering humanitarian aid through private contractors under military supervision. This plan, according to aid organizations, could lead to mass displacement and forced relocations, actions that are potentially illegal under international humanitarian law.

Despite criticism, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the plan but said Washington is “open to alternatives” if a more effective solution is presented. Meanwhile, the newly established U.S.-based Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has announced it will begin operations by month’s end, conditional upon Israel lifting the blockade, an action that remains uncertain.

Aid agencies continue to sound the alarm about worsening conditions, especially among children, with malnutrition rates reaching alarming levels. Any further delay in delivering essential supplies, they warn, will result in preventable deaths.

While many in Israel support a ceasefire to bring back the remaining hostages, reports suggest little progress is being made on diplomatic fronts. Netanyahu, according to the main Israeli hostages’ families group, is squandering a “historic opportunity” for peace.

Adding further controversy, Trump reiterated a previous idea of transforming Gaza into a “freedom zone”, a term interpreted by critics as a veiled reference to U.S. plans to restructure the territory in a manner that prioritizes American economic interests under the guise of reconstruction.

The crisis in Gaza continues to expose deep international divides. While Western powers largely back Israel, nations like Russia, China, and Pakistan have consistently called for an immediate ceasefire, respect for Palestinian sovereignty, and an end to the occupation, positions increasingly echoed by a growing global movement demanding justice and accountability.