Jul 31, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Trump changes tone on Gaza humanitarian crisis

Barak Ravid

U.S. President Donald Trump talks to the media as he meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (not pictured). — U.S. President Donald Trump talks to the media as he meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (not pictured) at Trump Turnberry golf club on July 28, 2025 in Turnberry, Scotland. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

President Trump said on Thursday that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will end if Hamas releases the hostages and surrenders.

Why it matters: The comment from the president marks a change in tone from others he made in recent days that put the onus on Israel to improve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

What he is saying: "The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!," Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.

State of play: Trump's post was published as his envoy Steve Witkoff met with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Witkoff travelled to the region to discuss ways to improve the humanitarian crisis and to talk to Netanyahu about the efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal.
Witkoff is also expected to visit Gaza to see the operations at the aid centers of the U.S. and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

Go deeper: How Israel's blockade caused starvation in Gaza

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Trump changes tone on Gaza humanitarian crisis

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