Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed back Friday against World Food Program chief Cindy McCain, accusing her of misrepresenting conditions in Gaza after she claimed civilians are “starving.”
Netanyahu said McCain acknowledged during a meeting in Jerusalem this week with him and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) that the situation had improved significantly since Israel increased humanitarian shipments into Gaza. According to Netanyahu’s office, McCain admitted that food was available, prices had dropped, and markets were showing sufficient supplies.
“She said that during her recent visit to Gaza, she saw a dramatic improvement,” the statement read. “It is regrettable that Mrs. McCain has since issued statements contradicting what she told us in Jerusalem. That is a misrepresentation.”
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel continues to enable a steady flow of aid while Hamas seizes and resells shipments at inflated prices. He argued that the real victims of deliberate starvation are Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.
The prime minister also called on the World Food Program to work with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed initiative ensuring aid reaches civilians rather than being diverted by Hamas.
This is not the first clash between McCain and Israel. In December 2024, she falsely claimed only two food trucks had entered Gaza in the previous month, when Israeli authorities documented 847.
Israel has long contended that Hamas manipulates humanitarian aid as a weapon, stealing supplies for its fighters while blaming Israel for shortages. Netanyahu’s remarks highlight ongoing tensions between humanitarian organizations and Israel’s efforts to balance aid delivery with preventing Hamas exploitation.
