Tommy, a State Department spokesperson, said special envoy Steve Witkoff is traveling to the region to discuss "next steps for Gaza," including efforts to increase delivery of humanitarian aid and the importance of releasing hostages. The spokesperson said the administration is "determined to getting as much aid as possible into Gaza without it being looted by Hamas" and described the hostage issue as a continued priority.

When asked whether the U.S. favors annexation of Gaza territory reported in Israeli press, the spokesperson declined to speculate, reiterating that the administration's present focus is "ending this conflict, getting as much food into Gaza as possible where it is not being looted by Hamas." Tommy said details of sensitive operational options related to hostages would not be discussed publicly.

The briefing reiterated prior statements that the president and secretary have urged increased humanitarian access and accountability for looting; reporters were told a specific new aid distribution plan was being worked on but no further operational details were provided from the podium. The spokesperson cited ongoing meetings by the envoy and said the administration views humanitarian relief and hostage release as linked priorities.