U.S. says envoy headed to region as focus remains on Gaza aid corridor and security for deliveries

The U.S. State Department said on Thursday that Special Envoy Whitkoff is traveling to the Middle East to press for a ceasefire, humanitarian corridors and expanded aid delivery into Gaza, while defending a U.S.-backed distribution approach that officials say has increased the volume of food reaching civilians. Bruce said the administration sees the humanitarian situation in Gaza as the —North Star— of its diplomacy and that the envoyis —heading to the region now.— The spokesperson said the United States is seeking an aid corridor both sides have agreed to and that a corridor would allow multiple entities to deliver assistance without it being hijacked. —We are looking forward to that arrangement and to a possible framework regarding a ceasefire,— Bruce said. Bruce defended the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, saying the group—success— in getting meals into Gaza shows its approach reduced theft and looting by Hamas, but she acknowledged the operation is imperfect in a war zone. She read a GHF…