State Department reiterates focus on ceasefire, hostage release and humanitarian access in Gaza

Tammy, the State Department spokesperson, said the department’s immediate focus remains on a ceasefire, the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the release of hostages.

“There’s clearly, there’s a focus on Gaza, and for a very good reason. And that’s what we’re focused on, is the ceasefire, is stopping the carnage, dealing with what’s going on in Gaza,” she said, tying the priorities to the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks and ongoing violence. On reports of civilians killed near food distribution centers, Tammy referred reporters to the Israeli Defense Forces for details of individual incidents and investigations.

When asked whether significant progress had been made on hostage releases and a ceasefire, she declined to confirm Israeli prime minister statements and said the department could not “speak to what the prime minister has said” from the podium. She reiterated frustration with Hamas, saying, “Hamas still won't put its weapons down. Hamas is still playing games as people still die as we do work to get food and aid into that region.”

Tammy urged support for diplomatic efforts she said would help negotiations, naming special envoy engagements and the Gaza humanitarian foundation as areas allies should back. She emphasized the department’s role in coordinating diplomatic efforts and facilitating humanitarian channels rather than conducting on-the-ground investigations into particular incidents.

No new ceasefire agreement or changes to U.S. policy were announced at the briefing; officials said work continues on negotiations, aid access and post‑conflict reconstruction planning.