Trump Envoy Visits Gaza, Promises Expanded Humanitarian Aid Amid Famine Threat

U.S. President Donald Trump has deployed his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee to the Gaza Strip to assess and enhance humanitarian aid efforts amid severe food shortages caused by the ongoing conflict. The envoys visited a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) food distribution site in Rafah, operated by an Israeli-backed American contractor, despite widespread criticism and reports of violence at aid sites. International organizations, including Human Rights Watch and the United Nations, have warned of a potential famine in Gaza, with many Palestinians struggling to access aid due to the conflict and military restrictions. During his visit, Witkoff emphasized the goal of developing a plan to deliver food and medical aid to Gaza’s starving population, reflecting a shift in President Trump’s stance who recently acknowledged the serious starvation crisis, contrasting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s denials. The GHF claims to have delivered over 100 million meals since May, though NGOs criticize the aid distribution system as flawed and militarized, leading to dangerous conditions for civilians seeking help. The U.S. administration underscores the importance of prioritizing aid to civilians and continues to coordinate with Israeli authorities to facilitate humanitarian assistance.