President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, promised a plan to increase food deliveries to the Gaza Strip after inspecting a U.S.-backed distribution center, AFP reported. His visit comes amid accusations from the UN human rights office that Israeli forces have killed hundreds of starving Palestinians waiting for aid.

Witkoff’s visit followed a report by Human Rights Watch alleging that Israeli forces were behind “regular bloodbaths” near aid distribution sites operated by the U.S.-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

According to the UN Human Rights Office in the Palestinian Territories, at least 1,373 people have died since May 27 while seeking aid in Gaza, including 105 in the last two days of July alone. “Most of these killings were carried out by the Israeli army,” the UN stated, distinguishing 859 deaths near GHF sites and 514 along routes used by UN and other aid convoys.

Witkoff said he spent more than five hours in Gaza, sharing a photo wearing a protective vest and meeting with the GHF team. “The purpose of the visit was to provide the president with a clear understanding of the humanitarian situation and to help develop a plan for delivering food and medical aid to the people in Gaza,” he said, referring to Trump.

Donald Trump confirmed the initiative in a phone interview with the U.S. news outlet Axios, referring to a plan to “feed the people.” “We want to help the people. We want to help them live. We want to feed the people. This should have happened a long time ago,” Trump said, according to Axios.

The American president reiterated Israel’s claims that “Hamas” steals much of the aid that reaches Gaza but did not clarify whether his plan includes strengthening GHF or creating a new mechanism.

GHF reported that during Witkoff’s and U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckey’s visit, it delivered its 100 millionth food package in Gaza. “President Trump understands what’s at stake in Gaza and that the priority should be feeding civilians, not Hamas. Today he sent his envoy as his eyes and ears on the ground, showing his deep concern and commitment to doing the right thing,” said GHF spokesperson Chapin Fay.

Gaza’s Civil Defense reported that 22 people were killed in Israeli shootings and airstrikes, eight of whom were waiting to receive food aid.

GHF has largely replaced the long-standing UN-led aid distribution system just as Israel began easing the blockade on Gaza, which had lasted over two months and deepened the existing shortages of food and basic supplies.

In its report on the GHF centers, Human Rights Watch accused the Israeli military of using hunger as a weapon of war. “Israeli forces are not only deliberately depriving Palestinian civilians of food but are killing them almost daily as they desperately search for food for their families,” said Belkis Wille, associate crisis and conflict director at the organization.

“Israeli forces, backed by the U.S., and private contractors have created a flawed and militarized aid distribution system that has become a site of regular bloodshed.”

In response, the Israeli military stated that GHF operates independently, but that soldiers are deployed “near the new distribution points to ensure the regular delivery of food.” The army accused “Hamas” of trying to obstruct deliveries and said it is reviewing reports of civilian deaths while working to minimize conflicts between civilians and its troops.

After arriving in Israel, Witkoff held talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reiterated his goal to destroy “Hamas” and free hostages taken during the October 2023 attack. At the same time, Netanyahu is under international pressure to end the bloodshed, which has resulted in the deaths of over 60,000 Palestinians and further threatens famine.

Following his meeting with Witkoff, the prime minister also met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, another strong ally of Israel who issued a clear appeal. “The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is beyond imagination,” Wadephul told the media, urging the government “to ensure humanitarian and medical aid to prevent mass starvation.” “I have the sense that this is understood today,” he added.

The Hamas-led attack in October 2023 killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to official figures. Of the 251 hostages taken then, 49 remain held in Gaza, with the Israeli army declaring 27 of them dead.

Israel’s subsequent offensive has claimed the lives of at least 60,249 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry controlled by Hamas. Due to media restrictions and difficult access to many areas of the Strip, AFP has been unable to independently verify the precise figures and details provided by Civil Defense and other sources. | BGNES