President Donald Trump criticized the European Union for not providing aid to Gaza on Sunday, while also emphasizing the need for Israel to address the situation with Hamas still holding hostages.
During a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland, Trump highlighted that the U.S. has given millions in aid to Gazans, but pointed out the lack of assistance from European countries.
“We gave $60 million two weeks ago for food for Gaza, and nobody acknowledged it. Nobody talks about it. And it makes you feel a little bad when you do that. And, you know, you have other countries not giving anything. None of the European countries, by the way, gave – I mean, nobody gave but us and nobody said, gee, thank you very much. And it would be nice to have at least a thank you.”
Trump stressed the necessity for a deal to be made between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict and secure the release of the remaining hostages, even if some of them are deceased.
He expressed empathy for the families of the hostages, stating, “But we have a lot of bodies, and the parents want those bodies as much as they would want their child if that child were alive.”
Trump suggested that Hamas may be hesitant to negotiate for the release of the final hostages due to concerns about losing leverage against Israel.
“You know, they had a routine discussion the other day and all of a sudden they hardened up. They don’t want to give them back. And so Israel is going to have to make a decision,” Trump remarked.
The meeting coincided with the Israeli Defense Forces’ efforts to deliver aid into Gaza after recent restrictions on the flow of humanitarian assistance.
Israel has initiated airdrops of aid supplies across the region, with the IDF conducting numerous drops in a short span on Sunday.
“Let me be clear: Israel supports aid for civilians, not for Hamas. The IDF will continue to support the flow of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza,” a spokesperson for the IDF affirmed, noting the transfer of approximately 250 trucks loaded with aid into Gaza that week.
The IDF refuted claims of starvation in Gaza as a false narrative perpetuated by Hamas, although reports indicate a growing hunger crisis in the region following failed negotiations between the United Nations and the IDF regarding aid distribution.
