State Department backs "creative solutions" to get aid into Gaza, declines to detail proposed foundation

The U.S. Department of State said it supports “creative solutions” to deliver humanitarian aid quickly to civilians in Gaza while preventing diversion to Hamas, but the department declined to preview details about a proposed foundation that reporters said had been discussed.

Tommy Pigott, principal deputy spokesperson, said the United States welcomes moves to get aid quickly into Gaza and “we also welcome creative solutions that make sure that that aid actually gets to the people that need it, and is not falling into the hands of terrorists such as Hamas.” He added, “We won't speak on behalf of the foundation, and we'll defer to the foundation in terms of any announcement that they may or may not make.”

Reporters pressed whether imminent Israeli military operations would disrupt plans for a foundation or other delivery mechanisms. Pigott said he would not put a timeline on deliveries from the podium and reiterated that the United States wants to ensure aid reaches civilians and not militants.

When asked about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported remark that “ethnic cleansing of Gaza is inevitable,” Pigott rejected the question’s characterization and reiterated that “Hamas bears sole responsibility for the war.” He said any departure from Gaza must be voluntary.

The briefing contained no operational timeline, no details on the proposed foundation’s structure or oversight, and no disbursement figures. The State Department repeatedly declined to discuss private diplomatic conversations or operational specifics during the press session.