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State Department declines to clarify whether U.S. policy still favors two-state solution; emphasizes focus on Gaza ceasefire and aid
Summary
Asked about an ambassador's comments and whether the U.S. still supports a two-state solution, State Department spokesperson Tammy declined to characterize the ambassador and directed reporters to the White House, while emphasizing current priorities of ceasefire, hostages and humanitarian access in Gaza.
State Department spokesperson Tammy declined to characterize recent remarks by Ambassador Huckabee about a two-state solution for the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and directed reporters seeking a policy position to the White House.
When asked whether Ambassador Huckabee was speaking for the administration, Tammy said, “I’m not going to characterize the ambassador’s remarks… I think he certainly speaks for himself,” and added that reporters should “call the White House” to ask about the president’s position on Israeli–Palestinian policy.
The briefing repeatedly returned to Gaza and the immediate diplomatic priorities. Tammy said the department is concentrating on a ceasefire, getting humanitarian aid into Gaza and addressing the aftermath should hostilities subside. “We are still working on dealing with either certainly ceasefire and peace for Gaza and then of course the aftermath of that and rebuilding and dealing with what that means,” she said. On questions about the pace of hostage releases and violence near food distribution centers, Tammy referred reporters to Israeli authorities for on-the-ground investigations and reiterated the department’s focus on aid delivery and cessation of hostilities.
Why it matters: The questions sought to clarify whether the ambassador’s public statements signal a change in U.S. policy on the long-standing two-state framework. The spokesperson avoided declaring a department-level shift and emphasized immediate operational priorities in Gaza.
Details and context: Reporters asked whether Ambassador Huckabee’s comments reflected administration policy and whether the State Department currently supports a two-state outcome; Tammy consistently declined to parse the ambassador’s remarks, saying such policy questions ultimately “sit with President Donald Trump” and advising reporters to seek answers from the White House. She described the department’s present focus as managing the ceasefire, humanitarian access and post-conflict recovery.
Ending: The spokesperson said the department would continue to work on humanitarian access, and that any definitive policy pronouncements about long-term arrangements should be sought from the White House.
