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U.S. says 69 million meals delivered to Gaza via new distribution model, urges others to adopt it
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Summary
A State Department spokesperson said 69,000,000 meals have been distributed through four centers in Gaza using a delivery model designed to prevent Hamas looting, and urged other aid agencies and the U.N. to join the framework as talks over a ceasefire continue.
Tammy, the State Department spokesperson, told reporters the United States has distributed 69,000,000 meals to date through four distribution centers serving Gaza and credited the operation with preventing looting by Hamas.
"There's now 69,000,000 meals that have been distributed to date at 4 distribution centers all while preventing hamas looting," Tammy said, and encouraged other aid agencies and U.N. partners to participate in the system.
Why it matters: Deliveries of food and other aid in Gaza are central to ceasefire negotiations and to international criticism over civilian harm. The State Department framed the U.S.-backed model as a way to get assistance to civilians while reducing diversion to armed groups.
Details and debate: Tammy said the delivery approach is a template that "works" in a war zone where other efforts have been subject to theft or diversion. She described the aid flow as a "creative solution" and defended the program amid questions about internal concerns raised before approval.
The spokesperson declined to provide details on all operational mechanics at the briefing, but repeated that the U.S. calls on other aid organizations and U.N. agencies to join the distribution framework. She also said that while no humanitarian effort is "perfect" in an active war zone, the priority is to save lives and push toward a durable ceasefire and peace.
On ceasefire and security: Reporters asked whether firing would be stopped to allow aid distribution. Tammy said a ceasefire by definition requires parties to stop shooting and reiterated that the administration views Hamas as an actor that has not released hostages and "should not exist" going forward. She said the administration is working on plans as part of broader diplomacy.
What's next: The department signaled it will continue to promote the delivery model and press partners to adopt similar approaches while diplomatic efforts around a ceasefire and hostages proceed.
