State Department endorses Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's plan, defers funding and leadership details to the foundation

The U.S. Department of State on the record endorsed an independent plan to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza but declined to provide funding or leadership details from the podium.

Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pickett said the department “welcomes this creative solution” and emphasized the need for aid to enter Gaza “in a way that does not allow Hamas or other terrorists to take that aid.” He said the United States had endorsed the effort and urged any better options to be presented.

When asked whether the U.S. would provide funding or play a direct role in delivery, Pickett repeatedly deferred to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation for specifics and said, “nothing to preview at this time” on U.S. funding. He said delivery was being targeted “by the end of the month,” but referred reporters to the foundation for operational timelines and the funding mix.

Reporters asked about possible leadership and whether former World Food Programme executive David Beasley would be involved. Pickett said that Beasley “would be fantastic” and that the department was “hoping he comes on board,” but added he had “nothing further to add at this time.”

The State Department framed its position around two goals: getting aid to civilians and reducing the risk that armed groups divert supplies. Details on donors, operational control and coordination with Israeli authorities or the United Nations were not provided and were left to the foundation and other implementers.