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State Department condemns civilian deaths in Gaza and urges ceasefire; says diplomacy remains primary tool
Summary
The spokesperson condemned civilian casualties in Gaza, noted calls for restraint and international law compliance, and said diplomacy is the best option for Iran and regional issues; she referenced the October 7 attacks and ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to pursue a different diplomatic approach.
The State Department spokesperson condemned the civilian toll in Gaza and told reporters the administration is working to end the cycle of violence through diplomatic pressure.
Tammy called the humanitarian situation "horrible" and repeatedly decried the "loss of life," saying the administration and President Trump "are determined and are the ones working to make sure that this stops." She referred to the October 7 attacks as the precipitating event and cited a figure of "1,200 people" killed and more than "250 hostages" taken on that date. She also noted media reports of large numbers of casualties in Gaza, including multiple references from reporters to scores of children killed; the spokesperson said the administration deplores civilian deaths and urged parties to work toward a ceasefire.
On legal and weapons questions: Reporters asked whether the U.S. would assess whether strikes using U.S.-supplied weapons complied with international law. Tammy replied the United States "work[s] and apply international law" and applicable U.S. laws in its assessments and expects others to do the same; she did not announce a specific investigation.
On Iran and diplomacy: When asked about Iran, Tammy said U.S. officials consider diplomacy the best tool and that the administration keeps other diplomatic and non-diplomatic options in its toolbox. She reiterated that Secretary Rubio and President Trump prioritize the region and are pursuing an approach they described as different from past policies.
Ending: The spokesperson framed the administration's posture as an intensified diplomatic push to end violence, repeated that the U.S. deplores civilian casualties and said technical and diplomatic efforts (including those described earlier in the briefing) are aimed at producing a different outcome.
