Skeletal children

Analysis: Trump might be the only one who could convince Netanyahu to reverse the "horror show" in Gaza

Analysis from Paula Hancocks

The images of skeletal children that are now pouring out of Gaza are shocking but they should not be surprising. Humanitarian groups with decades of experience distributing aid in the Strip have been warning about this scenario for months, since Israel began throttling aid to a trickle.

Haunting footage of lifeless bodies with sharp bones protruding through stretched skin can be seen around the world. The pictures of starvation in Gaza are horrific, distressing and inescapable.

World leaders see the same pictures of starvation as everyone else and yet seem powerless to stop them, unable to pressure Israel into allowing more aid in or returning to the tried and tested UN-led distribution methods.

So, what could reverse what the United Nations chief is calling the “horror show” in Gaza?

In a word, Trump.

A White House spokesperson has said Trump “wants the killing to end” but visible anger, frustration, condemnation from the US president over the humanitarian crisis unfolding has been minimal, at least publicly.

The US focus has been on securing a ceasefire and hostage deal, still elusive despite words of hope and optimism from the Trump administration in recent weeks.