Washington D.C. — On Monday, the White House issued a statement noting that former President Donald Trump is taking steps behind-the-scenes to aid humanitarian efforts as pressure for resolution mounts over Gaza’s worsening crisis.
Sarah Matthews, White House spokesperson, recently told reporters during a press briefing that while President Donald Trump has taken hard stances towards Iran and Hamas, he remains deeply concerned by its humanitarian toll in Gaza and strongly advocates for aid access and reduced civilian casualties. These comments come amid increasing international criticism of Israel’s ongoing military operations that have killed over 56,500 Palestinians according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Matthews summarized President Trump’s position clearly. While he recognizes Israel’s right to self-defense, he wants to ensure innocent civilians do not get caught in the crossfire; ultimately he wishes to save lives and alleviate suffering.
Trump’s remarks reflect a shift from his earlier rhetoric, which featured military threats against Iran and celebratory posts about U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Aides report that behind closed doors, Trump authorized diplomatic outreach through Egypt and Qatar partners in order to facilitate humanitarian corridors and broker a short-term ceasefire agreement.
United Nations and several NGOs have recently declared Gaza’s situation “catastrophic”, noting collapsed healthcare infrastructure, blocked aid convoys, and widespread famine risk. Over 66,000 children are reported suffering acute malnutrition while aid groups allege people are being killed trying to gain access to U.S.-Israeli-supported aid distribution centers for food distribution.
Matthews noted that Trump stands by U.S. funding of food and medicine shipments through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation despite criticism by UN bodies that the system has become “a death trap”. She added that his administration is working on “restructuring aid flow” so it reaches civilians more efficiently and safely.
Critics assert the Trump administration isn’t doing enough, with several Democratic lawmakers demanding suspension of arms shipments to Israel until an all-out ceasefire has been achieved. Furthermore, they believe Trump’s support of Israel’s military operations as well as recent approval of an arms sale of $510 million send a mixed signal about how effective action should be taken by our nation.
Matthews responded that saving lives does not entail abandoning allies, noting that the administration strives to strike a balance between its national security objectives and humanitarian obligations.
Matthews did not confirm if President Donald Trump plans to publicly pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a ceasefire, however Trump plans to host him at the White House on July 7 for talks about Gaza, Middle Eastern stability and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Palestinian officials have dismissed any notion that Donald Trump is truly dedicated to peace. Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, a veteran Palestinian diplomat stated: “If Trump really cares about saving lives he must stop bombings and sieges.”
Analysts generally view President Trump’s engagement in the Gaza crisis, both public and private, as evidence that de-escalation efforts need to take place ahead of 2026 midterms when foreign policy will likely play a critical role.
As humanitarian organizations demand stronger intervention, all eyes remain focused on Washington. Will Donald Trump’s stated desire to “save lives” lead to tangible actions or will it remain eclipsed by military strategy and geopolitical maneuvering?