Former U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly criticized the European Union for what he described as a failure to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. Speaking on Sunday during a meeting in Scotland with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump said the United States had contributed millions of dollars to assist civilians in Gaza, but claimed that European nations had done nothing in comparison.
Trump also addressed the ongoing hostage crisis, stating that Israel must decide how to respond with Hamas still holding captives, many of whom are believed to be dead. He emphasized that the families of the victims are desperate to retrieve their loved ones’ remains, valuing them just as much as they would if the victims were still alive.
He suggested Hamas was unwilling to release the remaining hostages due to fears of losing their bargaining power. Trump claimed recent negotiations had suddenly stalled, adding that Hamas had hardened its position, which may force Israel into making a difficult choice.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported ramping up efforts to deliver humanitarian supplies into Gaza. Despite months of limited access, Israel conducted 28 aid airdrops on Sunday alone. An IDF spokesperson confirmed that around 250 aid trucks had been sent into Gaza throughout the week, underscoring that their support targets civilians, not Hamas.
The IDF also dismissed reports of mass starvation in Gaza as misinformation spread by Hamas. Still, hunger continues to rise in the region amid ongoing disputes over how to distribute aid, according to Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst.
