As Trump promises new Gaza aid plan, White House says details forthcoming

Details on a new aid plan for Gaza promised by US President Donald Trump are forthcoming, White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly tells The Times of Israel.

During a Monday press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump declared: “We’re going to set up food centers where people can walk in and [there are] no boundaries.”

“People [currently] see the food from thirty yards away… but they’ve got fences set up so nobody can even get it. It’s crazy,” Trump said on Monday.

Israel has yet to confirm that such a plan is in the works.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday, Trump is asked when the new food centers will be set up.

“Very soon,” he responds, noting that the US has donated $60 million to the cause.

He is apparently referring to the $30 million that the US has donated to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). It’s not clear whether the new food centers he spoke about would be related to the current three that are already being run by GHF.

Asked who will be running the food centers, Trump responds: “We’re going to be dealing with Israel.”

Israel to date has sought to avoid directly running aid distribution centers, instead preferring to have the IDF secure the perimeter around them.

Trump says he last spoke to Netanyahu two days ago, and the Israeli premier also wants food to be properly distributed to Gazans.

“We think [Israel] can do a good job of it… They want to preside over those food centers to make sure the distribution is proper,” Trump says. “They don’t want Hamas stealing the money or stealing the food… [Israel] will do a good job. The food will be properly [distributed].”

Asked for more information on the new aid plan referenced by Trump, Kelly says in a statement: “President Trump wants to alleviate suffering for the people of Gaza because he has a humanitarian heart. He announced a new aid plan to help Gazans obtain crucial access to food — details are forthcoming.”

Asked separately aboard Air Force One whether he still stands behind his February plan to relocate Gazans outside of the Strip, Trump claims some loved the idea while others didn’t. He says many Palestinians want to leave the enclave, adding: “We really have to see how it all works out before we do that.”