What's happened
As of early August 2025, US President Donald Trump has announced plans for the US to partner with Israel to establish new food distribution centers in Gaza amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. Trump publicly acknowledged starvation in Gaza, diverging from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's denial. The US aims to improve aid delivery, with Israel overseeing distribution, while the blockade and ongoing conflict exacerbate famine risks.
What's behind the headline?
US-Israel Aid Partnership Amid Gaza Crisis
The announcement of US collaboration with Israel to run new food centers in Gaza marks a significant shift in the humanitarian approach to the enclave's crisis. President Trump's public acknowledgment of starvation contrasts sharply with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's repeated denials, highlighting a rift even among close allies. This divergence reflects growing international concern over the humanitarian toll and pressures on Israel's handling of aid.
Aid Distribution Challenges and Political Stakes
Israel's insistence on controlling aid distribution through mechanisms like the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has been controversial, with reports of dangerous conditions for Palestinians seeking aid and accusations of the blockade exacerbating famine. The US's increased role aims to address perceived mismanagement but lacks clear operational details, raising questions about effectiveness and impartiality.
Strategic Implications and Humanitarian Impact
The debate over military operations in Gaza, including potential Israeli occupation of the Strip, intertwines with hostage negotiations and humanitarian concerns. The US focus on aid delivery and pressure on Hamas to release hostages underscores the complex interplay of military, political, and humanitarian objectives. The crisis's prolongation risks further destabilization and deepening suffering, with international actors balancing strategic interests and moral imperatives.
Forecast
The US-Israel partnership on aid distribution will likely intensify scrutiny of Israel's blockade policies and the humanitarian situation. Without a clear exit strategy or resolution to the conflict, famine and civilian casualties will persist. International pressure may grow for more transparent and neutral aid mechanisms, while political negotiations remain fragile. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza will continue to shape regional dynamics and global diplomatic efforts.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that Prime Minister Netanyahu supports a military strategy to take full control of Gaza despite risks to hostages, with US President Trump deferring final decisions to Israel but emphasizing aid distribution, stating, "Israel is going to help us with that in terms of distribution and also money." Trump also acknowledged the starvation crisis, contrasting Netanyahu's denial. The Independent highlights the dire humanitarian situation, noting over 60,000 deaths in Gaza and recent aid-related casualties, with Trump calling the situation "terrible" and criticizing the effectiveness of US aid. The New Arab details Trump's break with Netanyahu over starvation claims and the US plan to establish new food centers run by Israel, amid criticism of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's role and aid distribution challenges. Al Jazeera presents whistleblower accounts of Israeli military actions at aid sites and questions the safety and impartiality of current aid mechanisms, while also noting Trump's trust in Israel to manage aid. The NY Post discusses internal US political divisions, with some Trump allies criticizing Israel's prolonged conflict and humanitarian impact, reflecting generational splits in US support. Australian sources, including SBS and statements from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, condemn Israel's blockade as a breach of international law and highlight the humanitarian catastrophe, emphasizing the need for aid and a ceasefire. These varied perspectives illustrate the complex and contested nature of aid delivery, military strategy, and international diplomacy surrounding Gaza's crisis.
How we got here
The Gaza Strip has been under a severe blockade and conflict since October 2023, leading to a humanitarian crisis marked by widespread starvation and malnutrition. Israel has restricted aid flows, citing security concerns and accusing Hamas of diverting supplies. International pressure has mounted as images of starving children emerged, prompting calls for ceasefires and improved aid access. The US and Israel have been negotiating aid distribution mechanisms amid stalled truce talks.
Go deeper
- What are the details of the new US-Israel food distribution plan in Gaza?
- How has the humanitarian situation in Gaza evolved recently?
- What are the political implications of the US diverging from Israel on Gaza starvation?
Common question
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Why Is Aid Resuming in Gaza Now?
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical, with aid efforts intensifying after a period of restrictions. Many wonder why aid is now flowing into Gaza and what has changed to allow this. In this page, we explore the reasons behind the recent resumption of aid, the ongoing crisis, and what it means for civilians caught in the conflict.
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What is the current situation in Gaza and how are countries responding?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with reports of starvation and civilian casualties. International responses vary, with some countries condemning restrictions and others supporting aid efforts. Curious about which nations are involved, how aid is being delivered, and what legal issues are at play? Below, we answer the most common questions about this complex situation.
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What Are Trump’s Plans for Gaza Food Centers?
Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, recent reports indicate that President Trump has proposed establishing new food centers in partnership with Israel. This move aims to address the severe hunger and malnutrition affecting civilians. But what exactly are Trump's plans, and how might they impact the broader conflict? Below, we explore the details and answer common questions about this developing story.
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What Is the US Doing to Help Gaza Now?
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has drawn international attention, with the US playing a key role in aid efforts amid ongoing conflict. People are asking what specific actions the US is taking, how aid is being distributed, and why there are disagreements with Israel. Below, we explore the latest developments and answer common questions about the US's involvement in Gaza.
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What Are the Top News Stories Today in US and World News?
Stay updated with the biggest headlines shaping our world today. From international conflicts and political developments to cultural events and security updates, these stories are essential for understanding what's happening now. Curious about how these events connect or impact global security? Keep reading for quick summaries and insights into today's most pressing issues.
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Anthony Norman Albanese ( AL-bə-NEE-zee or AL-bə-neez; born 2 March 1963) is an Australian politician who has served as the 31st prime minister of Australia since 2022. He has been the leader of the Labor Party since 2019 and the member of parliament.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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The Palestinian people, also referred to as Palestinians or Palestinian Arabs, are an ethnonational group comprising the modern descendants of the peoples who have lived in Palestine continuously over the centuries and who today are largely culturally and
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The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has
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Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.
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Michael Dale Huckabee (, born August 24, 1955) is an American politician, diplomat, and Baptist minister serving as the 29th United States ambassador to Israel since 2025. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the 44th governor of Arkansas from.