State Department reiterates support for Israel, calls for renewed ceasefire to restore aid into Gaza

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday reaffirmed American support for Israel’s efforts to recover hostages and said diplomats are exploring new policy ideas for Gaza that, the department said, could improve living conditions for civilians.

Tammy Bruce, the State Department spokesperson, said the United States “stands firmly with the state of Israel in its pursuit to bring all the hostages back home and the defeat of Hamas.” She also described ongoing conversations among U.S. officials and regional partners about new approaches for Gaza that could “end up in a better life for the Gazans and the Palestinians.”

Why it matters: The remarks signal continued U.S. alignment with Israel’s public objectives while the department also emphasizes humanitarian priorities. Reporters pressed the department to explain diplomatic outreach after international commentary, including a report that France may recognize a Palestinian state; Bruce referred questioners to French officials for details about Paris’s statements and reiterated U.S. priorities.

On humanitarian aid, Bruce said aid deliveries were moving during a ceasefire but that “Hamas abandoned that ceasefire,” after which aid access narrowed. “Our work continues every single day in that region … to get back to that ceasefire so that aid can continue,” she said.

Bruce described U.S. efforts as focused on stopping the fighting and protecting civilians; she said the administration will continue engaging regional partners on possible policy options and the release of hostages, including five Americans named in the briefing.

Ending: The department declined to provide detailed operational plans in the briefing; Bruce said further diplomatic work is ongoing and that more information would be released as appropriate.