[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":56,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6387087,"mediaKeyId","2117118-f16a153824a46d5da4d8517d667a7773","parentId",2117118,"title","State Department shifts Russia sanctions authority; cites congressional visibility; flags concerns about Georgia","audioSeconds",279,"startMs",10342000,"endMs",10621000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117118-f16a153824a46d5da4d8517d667a7773&start=10342&end=10621","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117118-f16a153824a46d5da4d8517d667a7773/thumbnail_10342000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6387087/State-Department-shifts-Russia-sanctions-authority-cites-congressional-visibility-flags-concerns-about-Georgia","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6387087-c512945689fcb4a1a806d1d853531ee4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156103&Signature=BdMOZwiLWlBOI6rVpcwjjjqcMAjeGwIpsEpEISRh6ejLw1Mbia4xbaZN0MMCEyBcrkAYRUgFqePOFZadyloDXq1H5jTr3voMCHBy4cBl55NeQJxIMM21sJzywOnvqeif1g1aTEO3uuLPwMkqvUzS6VnGJU~MTky0jErNsP-jF4vvW5Xg8TTJr3sHRPM794uAFQhp8lB9X9LAWGcAwQaelYKRtWMJN2SllBtbG184rp6aNUhMRGzQNh9Ziw0dopVMwp9AktJpf6bvr1AlMVPc4ZdmPoOTBKWeBOvxW4uuLElT~aQBV0MCsrWZoaQl0Biutz9wCVBDvHaA4z7FJuq8ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-15T21:23:06Z","article","Reporters asked about recent U.S. sanctions targeting evasion and about a decision to shift authorities. The State Department spokesperson said the administration moved elements of its sanctions regime under an authority referred to in the briefing as “Executive Act Order 13226” to ensure Congress has full visibility on both sanctions and any contemplated removals.

The spokesperson said the broader sanctions and export control regime against Russia has been effective in harming Russia's ability to finance its war machine, and cited recent reporting about Russian tankers facing difficulties offloading oil as evidence of the measures' impact. On Georgia, the spokesperson said the United States continues to be concerned by actions taken by the Georgian government to crack down on opposition and that the U.S. has implemented sanctions, suspended assistance, and suspended its overall strategic relationship in response.

Why it matters: Sanctions authorities and the involvement of Congress affect diplomatic leverage and the durability of measures across administrations. U.S. actions on Georgia speak to the broader U.S. emphasis on democratic governance and human rights.

Details and context: The spokesperson declined to predict whether a future administration would change sanctions, saying such decisions are for the incoming administration. The briefing noted that sanctions and export controls have been used in tandem to restrict Russian economic activity and that shifting the legal authority can give Congress more oversight of both imposition and removal.

Ending: The State Department said it hopes the sanctions regime will remain effective; it also said it will continue to engage on concerns about democratic backsliding in countries such as Georgia.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Department of State Daily Press Briefing - January 15, 2025 - 1:15 PM","oneSentenceSummary","The State Department said it moved aspects of its sanctions regime under a different authority (referenced in the briefing as Executive Act Order 13226) to ensure Congress has visibility, and repeated concerns about actions by the Georgian government that prompted targeted U.S. sanctions and suspension of assistance.","taxTitle","US Department of State","taxId",9719,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":56,"_72":56,"_73":56},6387092,"State Department cites congressional ban on UNRWA funding; says other aid pathways remain",224,10034000,10258000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117118-f16a153824a46d5da4d8517d667a7773&start=10034&end=10258","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117118-f16a153824a46d5da4d8517d667a7773/thumbnail_10034000.jpg","/articles/6387092/State-Department-cites-congressional-ban-on-UNRWA-funding-says-other-aid-pathways-remain","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6387092-f1e9fb8d5064d952a6921a43c4baf455/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156103&Signature=O0tU2BWxped1JVO2t1TOKo79E9QY1WLPn9HrJq~-5j-sCn8FK6kjt6HhHdWhpPy3H8JBGcIUG7gPTH2JEBp0HkB3W-F~lYhPF1VTA6MAD6Pjz67A67Tlr6HxQ8jghRTrWNWCF0luCpGV9-~eIuSu72zMjuNlrVIl7IJ1-evIkPLN9VXFtGKwQpU5-zWswpIe31EdD6LQU58RYvywrXmI7nfbtZSRKYvYG0IewwVYjsDtHvVBQlBishFbZAimyioWfJHNi8DJd7le4ZKIM3MjALhSV~zTcM02G-T9Fz~lBkBtmLCpxeUgWxIBl3adIGU1wc6IF2z8KS0xnXfzmzPe0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Reporters asked whether blocking UNRWA would hamper aid operations. The State Department spokesperson said the United States has “called for the restoration of funding” for UNRWA but that a statutory ban by Congress currently prevents U.S. funds from flowing to the agency.

\"We are now under statutory ban by Congress for funding UNRWA. So we don't have the ability to turn funding to UNRWA back on,\" the spokesperson said, while adding that other countries could continue to fund UNRWA and that the United States can also provide assistance to Palestinians through other agencies and partner organizations.

Why it matters: UNRWA (the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees) has been a major conduit for services in Gaza and the West Bank. Changes to its funding status could affect the delivery of health, education and aid services unless alternative channels and donors fill the gap.

Details and context: The spokesperson said the United States has been the largest single country funder of humanitarian needs for Palestinians through a range of channels even after suspending UNRWA assistance. The State Department said UNRWA can continue operating with funding from other states and that the U.S. can and has delivered assistance through U.N. agencies and nongovernmental organizations.

Ending: The department urged Congress to lift the statutory ban if reforms to UNRWA meet U.S. conditions, and said it would work with other donors and partner organizations to maintain humanitarian flows to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.","A State Department spokesperson said a statutory ban by Congress currently prevents U.S. funding for UNRWA, urged that ban be lifted, and said the U.S. will continue to deliver humanitarian assistance through other organizations and international donors.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":56,"_72":56,"_73":56},6387097,"State Department: investigations of potential international humanitarian law violations will continue after transition",323,9437000,9760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117118-f16a153824a46d5da4d8517d667a7773&start=9437&end=9760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117118-f16a153824a46d5da4d8517d667a7773/thumbnail_9437000.jpg","/articles/6387097/State-Department-investigations-of-potential-international-humanitarian-law-violations-will-continue-after-transition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6387097-39332e1606a2baab4e0b8a873abd8177/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156103&Signature=ert-jrzjQFQbuDbiiMU~Zs2BYtDN6uVvMAvJRA5I-DZp~oNAN7u6BtAbeEGTQjABiO20spcfOu2uicyEywJ9NxN7H9iTWb1yiLtfpoc8sU0ZFn2XOyxu9BB1-kMtBhFeQI3eBwqSl~LBV58fPdiyU4JgQPlsQYWsmZw276GG-Qf2Yf8crK3Hrf96n84maOEZafVClZOKkqAy1rgwmqIHvRTr5X0zTUbi-2T0ezsNOWB1Ac3lr2ODuupEl3McSyjhh-fbxIicpGKajCjn~z5DtPrp~K8vcTZ405WOuL6HMJrelw-3~spJJ1gKsXyyOygf6U7MQXA~tlg9FqCOO-bZGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","State Department spokesperson said the department is working to reach definitive answers on a number of incidents under review and that “the obligation that the state department has to investigate potential violations of international humanitarian law through the use of US weapons are not obligations that expire on January 20th. They're obligations that carry over from this administration to the next administration.”

Why it matters: The statement addresses whether accountability processes and incident reviews begun under the current administration will continue after the inauguration of a new administration. The department cited a recent internal report and said some reviews remain ongoing.

Details and context: The spokesperson said the State Department has issued a public report outlining how it is reviewing incidents and that, in some cases, it believes it is reasonable to assess that Israeli actions may have violated international humanitarian law or related commitments. The spokesperson added that if investigations are not completed before the transition, they will be transmitted to the incoming administration and the obligation to pursue answers remains.

Journalist access and evidence gathering: The spokesperson said the administration has long supported allowing foreign journalists into Gaza and that continuing efforts to gather facts about potential violations would be a priority. “We would want to be able to do anything we could to gather facts about, potential violations of international humanitarian law,” the spokesperson said.

Ending: The State Department said it will continue assembling evidence and engaging partners to pursue completed investigations and to provide answers to affected U.S. citizens’ families.","The State Department said its obligation to investigate incidents involving potential violations of international humanitarian law does not expire with the presidential transition and that ongoing inquiries will be handed to the next administration if they are not finished.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":56,"_72":56,"_73":56},6387102,"State Department: Gaza 'day‑after' governance and reconstruction to be negotiated after ceasefire; Hamas must not govern",299,8368000,8667000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117118-f16a153824a46d5da4d8517d667a7773&start=8368&end=8667","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117118-f16a153824a46d5da4d8517d667a7773/thumbnail_8368000.jpg","/articles/6387102/State-Department-Gaza-dayafter-governance-and-reconstruction-to-be-negotiated-after-ceasefire-Hamas-must-not-govern","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6387102-d3034e9975a9569d33ec34f8de1e87e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156103&Signature=lEa~I~cM161s8Yc1eZ5HG-aUO1xPH6Z5OreRZRMi8q9xCtgf9MSk1rd3~5NiOHmdp3dIlABm1bzbUdiw~BsXg7Vnqs~JuE0ctB5sIrkms-W6Qzy4pHffQ1Jo36VFTNqdKWqlxG7f8Ez48F-5IADp2aJLaPprcEliPS1cCSJUbFRXZfFE1XKbhdNRH6Ul3FZVSr~V1oy7UAdR9qXzRPqochvsMEd3g3uq~izYqkGwm3gm43jcCatJtBM-QkLnf6rVrVJLx2GRtA9Lnvy6KQ0cqH7VDdnFD98YVyXuQ5VqzY3FllC7IKVO7OvyyJw2l4J6Idox~FXo2bFzXDZOC3MzKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","State Department spokesperson said the current agreement covers “phase 1” only and that the “ultimate resolution of governance, security, reconstruction, all of those will have to be dealt with in the negotiations from phase 1 to phase 2.”

The spokesperson asserted that the United States is committed to ensuring that Hamas does not resume governing Gaza in the future. “The United States is committed to, ensuring that, Hamas never again resumes governing Gaza,” the spokesperson said, adding that such a reemergence would be “an absolute deal breaker for Israel.”

Why it matters: Political control of Gaza is central to any durable settlement. The State Department said regional partners would be asked to contribute security and reconstruction resources only if they see a political path that removes Hamas from governance and ensures a credible alternative for the Palestinian people.

Details and context: The spokesperson referenced prior U.S. statements, including “Tokyo principles” set out by Secretary Blinken, as guidance for the period after the conflict. U.S. officials said the “day‑after” plan is ready to hand to the incoming administration for further action; the administration said it hopes the next U.S. government will “seize on this momentum.”

Officials emphasized that regional countries are unlikely to commit security forces or funding unless there is clarity on governance and the political path for Palestinian aspirations. The State Department said the negotiation from phase 1 to phase 2 is where those governance questions — including whether the Palestinian Authority or another arrangement will govern Gaza — will be resolved.

Ending: The spokesperson said the U.S. will press for arrangements that preclude Hamas governance while regional partners and the incoming administration consider implementation and reconstruction plans.","The State Department said the ceasefire covers phase 1 only; decisions about who governs Gaza, security arrangements and reconstruction will be negotiated in later phases and the U.S. is committed to preventing Hamas from resuming governance.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":56,"_72":56,"_73":56},6387107,"U.S. says Israel-Hamas ceasefire reached; pledges massive humanitarian surge and hostage returns",1290,7491000,8781000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117118-f16a153824a46d5da4d8517d667a7773&start=7491&end=8781","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117118-f16a153824a46d5da4d8517d667a7773/thumbnail_7491000.jpg","/articles/6387107/US-says-Israel-Hamas-ceasefire-reached-pledges-massive-humanitarian-surge-and-hostage-returns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6387107-c897fcd8a722fd4b8842647212c2416f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156103&Signature=KMn62gGLz9agHbZiyqjpz0CNxg1vOc9YEMx29tK-xZY3~qLDzfRIOobDfBzqHVP8oHxV~XY01h6W~cvsUf5hyWyuLr0OLF0iOM4HPXHZTaDhSGz-bJnwc1d0xf7h9WGYonk4MoWDjD494ZkBnV2xecGs2m9UahF4mIpob1bwk4x-7oWu50g5DcHt3-USOuKvoQw7c2DdV6FND~xfcpMNM~tgS88X3rqMN6v7JEZiTkst5llXFBoa3IFTzrxaUuDQUzqcGs2-r81eXMSylIJlFjet861cfdEqwEcEMxRELDDFK2c67Gon6nw96JVTw1upNWPdL~LvnQbcAWAW3RWXTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","State Department spokesperson said the ceasefire announced by President Biden earlier in the day will bring “immediate relief to the people of both Gaza and Israel” and that hostages will begin returning “in the coming days.”

The spokesperson framed the agreement as the result of an extended U.S. diplomatic campaign and cooperation with regional partners, and said a rapid humanitarian surge is planned for Gaza once the ceasefire is implemented. “We are looking at a massive infusion of trucks somewhere. Hopefully, it just won't happen, overnight, but we wanna get up to over 500 trucks a day, excuse me, that, that come into Gaza,” the spokesperson said.

Why it matters: The agreement moves the conflict into a clearly defined first phase in which fighting stops, humanitarian access increases and some hostages are expected to be released. U.S. officials said the deal is only the first step of a multi-phase process that includes governance, security and reconstruction planning.

Details and context: The spokesperson credited months of U.S. diplomacy — including public presentation of a ceasefire proposal in May and outreach by Secretary Blinken and other U.S. officials — with isolating Hamas and securing broad regional and international support. The United Nations Security Council also endorsed the approach, the spokesperson said, a factor the administration argued helped pressure Hamas to the negotiating table.

Officials described the deal as \"phase 1\" of a broader plan. The State Department said guarantors of the agreement include the United States, Egypt and Qatar; those guarantors will push parties to move from phase 1 toward negotiated arrangements on governance and reconstruction. The spokesperson also said envoys from the incoming administration participated in recent talks alongside outgoing U.S. officials to signal continuity.

On hostages, the spokesperson said there are seven Americans believed held in Gaza: four were believed alive and three presumed deceased; the administration plans to provide family-specific updates in the coming days. On distribution, the State Department said much of the aid will flow through UN agencies and nongovernmental humanitarian partners already operating in the territory.

Constraints and next steps: The ceasefire becomes effective on a specified date; until implementation both sides remain able to conduct operations. U.S. officials cautioned that moving from phase 1 to phase 2 — the longer-term governance and reconstruction arrangements — will require separate negotiations and commitments from regional states and the incoming U.S. administration.

Ending: The State Department said it will work with humanitarian partners and regional guarantors to ensure aid reaches Gaza beyond the entry points, while continuing diplomatic efforts to turn the ceasefire into a lasting settlement.","A State Department spokesperson said the ceasefire announced by President Biden opens the way for hostages to be returned and for humanitarian aid to surge into Gaza, with U.S. officials targeting more than 500 trucks per day once the deal is implemented.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

State Department shifts Russia sanctions authority; cites congressional visibility; flags concerns about Georgia

State Department cites congressional ban on UNRWA funding; says other aid pathways remain

State Department: investigations of potential international humanitarian law violations will continue after transition

State Department: Gaza 'day‑after' governance and reconstruction to be negotiated after ceasefire; Hamas must not govern

U.S. says Israel-Hamas ceasefire reached; pledges massive humanitarian surge and hostage returns