Lawmakers press State Department on Gaza ceasefire, humanitarian aid and alleged settler attacks

Representative Joaquin Castro said during the hearing that "what's happening in Gaza is a horror of mass starvation, mass murder, and even a plan for ethnic cleansing that Americans are helping to pay for," and asked what the administration's plan is to stop the violence.

The under secretary responded that the administration is focused on achieving a ceasefire and delivering humanitarian assistance, noting that "this situation started on October 7 when Hamas invaded Israel and killed nearly 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians" and that Hamas could end the conflict by putting down its arms and returning hostages. The under secretary also said press reports indicated special envoy Whitkoff was traveling to the region to work on finalizing a corridor and reach a ceasefire.

Representative Castro also asked whether the United States would pursue an independent investigation into reported attacks on Palestinian civilians and on religious sites by Israeli settlers in the West Bank; the under secretary said he did not have an immediate answer and reiterated that the administration was focused on ceasefire efforts and humanitarian access. The under secretary said he understood the IDF was investigating incidents but did not commit to a U.S.-led independent investigation during the hearing.

Members said they expected more information about how the United States is balancing support for Israel and prioritizing civilian protection and humanitarian assistance in Gaza; the under secretary offered to provide further updates and noted the special envoy's travel as part of those efforts.