Gaza Plunges Deeper into Famine as Trump Administration Faces Backlash Over Aid Policy

Gaza has officially been declared in a state of famine by the world’s leading food insecurity authority on August 22, intensifying scrutiny on the current U.S. administration’s approach to the escalating humanitarian catastrophe. The declaration follows a period of significant deterioration, particularly since President Trump took office, with critics arguing U.S. policy has failed to adequately protect Palestinian civilians.

Former Biden administration officials, many of whom are no longer involved in the issue, describe a period of intense, though often frustrated, efforts to pressure Israel into allowing more aid. These efforts included desperate measures like humanitarian airdrops and the construction of a temporary pier, which proved largely ineffective. Internal debates within the Biden White House, State Department, and USAID highlighted a deep division between those advocating for stronger leverage against Israel, including withholding military aid, and those prioritizing diplomatic engagement while supporting Israel’s security objectives.

A critical shift occurred with the transition of power. Shortly after President Trump assumed office, a temporary ceasefire with Hamas broke down, and Israel imposed a renewed total blockade on Gaza for nearly three months. Compounding the crisis, the Trump administration rescinded National Security Memorandum 20 (NSM 20), a Biden-era policy linking U.S. arms transfers to adherence to international humanitarian law. Aid officials report a marked decrease in consistent U.S. pressure on Israel, with the current administration instead investing in initiatives like the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has done little to alleviate hunger.

With over 2,000 Palestinians reportedly killed since May while seeking aid, and a vast majority of limited aid trucks being looted due to desperation and lack of order, the situation remains dire. The confirmed famine and the perceived inaction of the Trump administration have drawn global condemnation, with many lamenting a fundamental compromise of America’s moral standing and its claims to global leadership in humanitarian protection.

阅读中文版 (Read Chinese Version)

Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.