'Aid must be permitted to reach people': Barack Obama voices concern over Gaza; calls for action to 'stop preventable starvation'
Former US President
Barack Obama
on Monday urged immediate action to prevent what he called the "preventable" starvation unfolding in Gaza, referring to the situation caused by the war that erupted between Israel and Hamas on October 7, 2023.
"While a lasting resolution to the crisis in Gaza must involve a return of all hostages and a cessation of Israel's military operations, these articles underscore the immediate need for action to be taken to prevent the travesty of innocent people dying of preventable starvation," Obama posted on X, alongside links to two New York Times articles.
"Aid must be permitted to reach people in Gaza. There is no justification for keeping food and water away from civilian families," he added in a follow-up post.
Meanwhile, Israel's military on Sunday announced a "tactical pause" in fighting amid mounting concerns over starvation in the region.
US President Trump, responding to reporters' questions about the images of starving children in Gaza, accused Hamas of diverting aid.
"When I see the children and when I see, especially over the last couple of weeks people are stealing the food, they're stealing the money, they're stealing the money for the food.
They're stealing weapons, they're stealing everything," said Trump.
"It's a mess, that whole place is a mess. The Gaza Strip, you know it was given many years ago so they could have peace. That didn't work out too well," he added.
The Israeli military has stated there is no evidence that Hamas has systematically stolen humanitarian aid.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu
defended Israel's handling of aid, saying limited humanitarian access has been permitted -- provided it doesn't bolster Hamas or endanger hostages.
"We've done this so far," Netanyahu said, according to The Jerusalem Post. "But the UN is spreading lies and falsehoods about Israel. They say we don't allow humanitarian supplies in, yet we do. There are secure corridors. They've always existed, but now it's official. No more excuses."
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