US envoy says Trump commits to averting Gaza humanitarian crisis despite challenges

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff has said the Trump administration is committed to preventing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, while acknowledging the complexities of the situation on the ground.

Speaking on ABC’s “This Week” on May 18, Witkoff stressed the administration’s concern for the deteriorating conditions in the enclave, where access to food and aid remains severely restricted, Caliber.Az reports, citing Politico.

 “It is complicated. It is logistically complicated. And the conditions on the ground are dangerous. There are still many unexploded shells all over the place. So, we have to be mindful of that,” he said.

“But that said,” he continued, “we do not want to see a humanitarian crisis, and we will not allow it to occur on President Trump’s watch.”

The comments come as the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, drawing criticism from human rights advocates and U.S. lawmakers. Senator Bernie Sanders, speaking on May 15, described the conditions as dire: “I happen to believe that what is going on in Gaza is horrific, that we are seeing children, right now as we speak, starving to death.” President Trump also acknowledged the severity of the crisis last week, stating, “a lot of people are starving.”

Israel’s renewed military campaign in Gaza, aimed at eliminating Hamas, has only intensified concerns. Dozens were reported killed in Israeli airstrikes on May 18, deepening fears of further civilian suffering.

Despite the mounting death toll, Witkoff emphasised the strong alignment between Washington and Tel Aviv. “I don’t think there’s any daylight between President Trump’s position and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s position,” he told host Jonathan Karl.

Today, May 19, 2025, Israel has announced the resumption of limited humanitarian aid into Gaza following an extensive blockade that began on March 2. This decision comes amid mounting international pressure and concerns over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.

According to a United Nations official, approximately 20 aid trucks carrying primarily food supplies are expected to enter the Gaza Strip today via the Kerem Shalom crossing. An Associated Press photographer observed at least three such trucks on the Israeli side of the crossing.

By Khagan Isayev