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Trump says US will assist with 'food centers' in Gaza

Trump Blasts Biden Administration Over US Involvement in Gaza Food Aid Centers

In a fiery speech delivered at a campaign rally in Florida on Wednesday, former President Donald Trump sharply criticized the Biden administration's handling of humanitarian aid in Gaza, specifically targeting what he described as U.S.-funded food distribution centers amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Trump, who has repeatedly positioned himself as a staunch supporter of Israel, accused the current administration of funneling American taxpayer dollars into projects that he claims indirectly benefit Hamas terrorists. "We're building these massive food centers in Gaza, and who's really getting the food? Not the innocent people—it's going straight to the radicals," Trump declared to a cheering crowd, echoing sentiments that have become a staple of his 2024 presidential campaign rhetoric.

The comments come at a time when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached dire levels, with reports from international aid organizations indicating widespread famine and malnutrition among the Palestinian population. The United Nations and various NGOs have been sounding alarms about the collapse of food supply chains due to the blockade and military operations following Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed over 1,200 people and led to the abduction of hundreds. Israel's subsequent ground invasion and airstrikes have resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's health ministry, figures that are contested but highlight the scale of the devastation.

Trump's remarks appear to reference recent U.S. initiatives to bolster aid delivery in the region. Under President Joe Biden, the U.S. has committed hundreds of millions of dollars to humanitarian assistance, including partnerships with the World Food Programme (WFP) and other entities to establish temporary food distribution hubs. These centers, often set up in safer zones within Gaza or along the borders with Egypt and Israel, aim to provide essential supplies like flour, canned goods, and nutritional supplements to displaced families. The administration has emphasized that these efforts are strictly humanitarian and include rigorous vetting to prevent aid from falling into the hands of militant groups.

However, Trump painted a starkly different picture, alleging mismanagement and waste. "Biden is sending our money over there to build these fancy centers, but Hamas is running the show. They're stealing the food, selling it on the black market, and using the profits to buy more rockets to fire at Israel," he said, without providing specific evidence to support his claims. This narrative aligns with broader Republican criticisms of Biden's foreign policy, which they argue is too soft on adversaries and insufficiently supportive of key allies like Israel. Trump went on to contrast this with his own record, boasting about his administration's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, a key backer of Hamas, and the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

To understand the context of these food centers, it's essential to delve into the logistics of aid delivery in a war zone. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been at the forefront, coordinating with the Israeli military to create "humanitarian corridors" that allow trucks to enter Gaza from the Rafah crossing. Recent reports indicate that the U.S. has helped fund the construction of modular distribution points equipped with storage facilities, medical tents, and security measures to ensure safe distribution. These centers are not permanent structures but rather temporary setups designed to handle the influx of aid amid the destruction of local infrastructure. For instance, one such center near Khan Younis has reportedly served thousands of families, distributing high-energy biscuits and ready-to-eat meals provided by American donors.

Critics of Trump's statements argue that his portrayal oversimplifies a complex situation. Humanitarian experts point out that while diversion of aid is a real risk in conflict zones, international protocols, including on-site monitoring by neutral observers, are in place to mitigate it. "Accusations like these undermine the lifesaving work being done on the ground," said Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), in a statement responding to Trump's speech. She highlighted that U.S. aid is crucial for preventing a full-scale famine, as warned by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which classified parts of Gaza as facing "catastrophic" hunger levels.

Trump's comments also touch on domestic political divides. With the 2024 election heating up, issues like U.S. foreign aid have become flashpoints. Polls show that a significant portion of Republican voters favor reducing overseas spending, particularly in the Middle East, viewing it as a drain on resources that could be redirected to domestic priorities like border security or infrastructure. Trump capitalized on this sentiment, promising that if re-elected, he would "audit every penny going to Gaza and make sure it's not funding terrorism." He further suggested alternative approaches, such as pressuring Arab nations to take a larger role in aid delivery, reminiscent of his "America First" doctrine.

The Biden administration swiftly pushed back against Trump's assertions. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the remarks in a briefing, stating, "The former president's comments are not only inaccurate but dangerous, as they could jeopardize the safety of aid workers and hinder efforts to alleviate suffering in Gaza." She reiterated that all U.S. aid complies with strict anti-terrorism laws and is distributed through trusted partners. Moreover, Biden has personally engaged with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advocate for increased aid access, including the recent opening of additional crossings like Erez in northern Gaza.

This isn't the first time Trump has waded into the Israel-Gaza debate. Throughout his post-presidency, he has maintained a vocal presence on social media and at rallies, often lambasting Biden for what he calls "weak leadership" that has emboldened Iran's proxies. In a Truth Social post following his speech, Trump doubled down, writing, "Under my watch, we had peace in the Middle East. Now, Biden's disasters are costing American lives and treasure." This rhetoric resonates with his base but has drawn criticism from Democrats and some moderate Republicans who argue it politicizes a humanitarian tragedy.

Broader implications of U.S. involvement in Gaza's food aid extend beyond politics. Economically, the U.S. has allocated over $300 million in emergency funding since October 2023, part of a global effort that includes contributions from the European Union and Gulf states. These funds support not just food but also water purification, shelter, and medical supplies. However, challenges persist: Israeli security checks often delay convoys, and ongoing fighting makes distribution hazardous. Aid workers have reported incidents of looting and violence, though not necessarily tied to organized groups like Hamas.

Experts like Dr. Michael Barnett, a professor of international affairs at George Washington University, note that food centers represent a critical stopgap in a region where agriculture has been decimated. "Gaza's farms and markets are in ruins; without external aid, starvation would be inevitable," Barnett explained in an interview. He cautioned against politicizing aid, warning that inflammatory statements could lead to reduced donations or heightened risks for personnel on the ground.

Trump's speech also highlighted his vision for Middle East policy, emphasizing a return to his administration's pro-Israel stance. He praised Netanyahu as a "strong leader" and suggested that the U.S. should prioritize military support for Israel over humanitarian aid to Palestinians, arguing that peace comes through strength. This contrasts with Biden's two-pronged approach: bolstering Israel's defense while pushing for a ceasefire and eventual two-state solution.

As the conflict drags on, with no immediate end in sight, the role of U.S.-backed food centers remains pivotal. They symbolize America's commitment to humanitarian values, even in politically charged environments. Yet, Trump's critique underscores the partisan lens through which such efforts are viewed, potentially influencing future policy debates. Whether these centers will expand or face cutbacks could hinge on the outcome of the upcoming election, where foreign policy promises to be a key battleground.

In wrapping up his remarks, Trump urged supporters to "take back our country and stop wasting money on failed projects abroad." The crowd's enthusiastic response suggests that his message on Gaza aid will continue to feature prominently in his campaign, blending isolationism with unwavering support for Israel. As the world watches, the intersection of U.S. politics and Middle East humanitarianism grows ever more entangled, with real lives hanging in the balance. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full The Hill Article at:
[ https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5423365-trump-us-gaza-food-centers/ ]