The White House says details of a new aid initiative for Gaza, announced by US President Donald Trump, will be released soon, according to deputy press secretary Anna Kelly, speaking to The Times of Israel.
During a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday, Trump said the US plans to establish open-access food distribution centers in Gaza.
“We’re going to set up food centers where people can walk in freely—no boundaries,” Trump stated. “Right now, people can see the food from 30 yards away, but fences prevent them from getting to it. It’s insane.”
Israel has yet to confirm participation in a newly proposed aid initiative for Gaza, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday, Trump said the new food distribution centers would be established “very soon.” He noted the U.S. has contributed $60 million toward the effort — apparently referring to the $30 million already donated to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). It remains unclear whether the new centers will be linked to the three food centers currently operated by GHF.
When asked who would manage the new distribution points, Trump replied, “We’re going to be dealing with Israel.”
To date, Israel has avoided directly running such centers, instead positioning the IDF to secure the areas around them.
Trump added that he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu two days earlier and claimed the Israeli leader also supports efforts to ensure food is distributed effectively to Gazan civilians.
“We think Israel can do a good job of it… They want to preside over those food centers to make sure the distribution is proper,” Trump said. “They don’t want Hamas stealing the money or the food… [Israel] will do a good job. The food will be properly [distributed].”
White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly later issued a statement reiterating Trump’s position:
“President Trump wants to alleviate suffering for the people of Gaza because he has a humanitarian heart. He announced a new aid plan to help Gazans obtain crucial access to food — details are forthcoming.”
When asked whether he still supports his earlier plan, proposed in February, to relocate Gazans out of the Strip, Trump responded that “some loved the idea while others didn’t.” He added that many Palestinians want to leave, but said, “We really have to see how it all works out before we do that.”
Fears of Israeli assassination attempts rise among Hamas leaders during renewed negotiations
Hamas leaders are reportedly increasing security measures over concerns that Israel may attempt to assassinate members of the group’s Politburo abroad, Haaretz reports, citing Palestinian sources.
According to the report, these sources also expressed fears that Israel could carry out military operations aimed at rescuing hostages.
In addition, they said they have received mixed signals in recent hours from countries mediating the ceasefire talks, creating uncertainty over whether indirect negotiations with Israel are likely to resume soon.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier that Hamas’s obstinacy was the main hurdle blocking a ceasefire deal, and US President Donald Trump said yesterday that the “fight will have to be a little bit different” given Hamas’s unwillingness to negotiate.
