U.S. urges release of hostages, supports aid delivery plans that limit Hamas diversion

The secretary, a State Department official, said he spoke with Israel's prime minister and that the United States supports plans to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza in ways that aim to prevent Hamas from seizing supplies.

Why it matters: The secretary linked U.S. support for aid-delivery mechanisms to concerns about diversion by Hamas and reiterated the U.S. position that the release of hostages remains a priority.

The secretary told reporters that "the people of Gaza deserve a better future than what they've had under Hamas" and described Hamas as a terrorist organization that committed mass atrocities on Oct. 7. He said the Israeli plan under discussion is intended to get aid to civilians "without Hamas being able to steal it from people" and added, "We're open to an alternative if someone has a better one, but we are for all the aid we can get without the people without Hamas being able to steal it from people."

On hostages, the secretary said the United States "continues to" work on measures that could help secure the release of those held by Hamas, but he declined to discuss operational mechanics to avoid endangering them. He noted that intermediaries including Qatar, Egypt and Turkey have been involved and welcomed the recent return of Eden Alexander to his family as "very uplifting."

The secretary also acknowledged concern about the humanitarian toll in Gaza, referencing reporting of civilian deaths and attacks on hospitals, and said the United States was "troubled by the humanitarian situation" while maintaining that eliminating Hamas would be necessary for a lasting peace.

Less critical details: The secretary said he would not comment further on the mechanics of mediation to avoid endangering hostages.