The United States has reiterated its commitment to ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza, ensuring the release of hostages, and addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis, according to Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the State Department, Tommy Pigott.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday (local time), Pigott outlined the US administration’s top priorities regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. “Our focus is on ending the conflict, making sure hostages are released, and getting as much food into Gaza as possible without it being looted by Hamas,” he said.
Pigott also announced that the US government has imposed visa sanctions on officials of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for failing to uphold commitments under the PLO Commitments Compliance Act (1989) and the Middle East Peace Commitments Act (2002). He said the move reflects US national security interests and its commitment to holding parties accountable for undermining peace efforts.
“The State Department reported to Congress that the PLO and PA are not in compliance with their obligations. In response, the United States is denying visas to their officials,” Pigott stated.
Echoing this stance, President Donald Trump earlier posted on Truth Social: “The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!”
At a separate White House briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared that Special Envoy Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee held a productive meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to coordinate humanitarian aid efforts.
Leavitt said the two US officials would also travel to Gaza to assess food distribution points and meet with local civilians. “President Trump is a humanitarian with a big heart—that’s why he sent Special Envoy Witkoff to the region, in an effort to save lives and end this crisis,” she added.
The situation in Gaza has rapidly deteriorated, with over two million Palestinians facing severe food shortages, lack of medical care, and mass displacement. The United Nations has warned of an acute hunger crisis, especially affecting children, and has called for unimpeded humanitarian access.
The White House confirmed that a final plan for food and aid distribution will be approved after the envoy team briefs President Trump upon their return.
