The below is attributable to Spokesperson Jessica Jennings:
Today, Administrator Samantha Power spoke with the heads of major non-governmental organization (NGO) partners working in Gaza about ongoing efforts to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, as well as the critical importance of protecting civilians and aid workers, amid deteriorating conditions since the end of the pause in hostilities between the Government of Israel and Hamas.
Administrator Power thanked the leadership of each NGO for the work of their staff to provide life-saving aid under the most challenging circumstances and recognized the severe limitations on humanitarian operations due to the level of violence since the resumption of hostilities in Gaza on December 1. The group discussed the need to significantly increase the amount of assistance entering Gaza in response to dramatic shortages of food, clean water, medical care, protection, and other basic requirements. Administrator Power noted continuing U.S. government efforts to accelerate the pace of humanitarian supplies and fuel entering Gaza. Administrator Power highlighted ongoing U.S. diplomatic engagement with the Government of Israel to work to re-open the Kerem Shalom border crossing as an additional entry point, which will allow a larger scale up of assistance flowing into Gaza.
Additionally, Administrator Power offered her condolences for the record number of humanitarian workers killed in Gaza since October 7 and stressed that, in addition to getting more assistance into Gaza, more must be done to protect aid workers putting their lives on the line to deliver that assistance. Administrator Power also reiterated ongoing U.S. engagement with the Government of Israel to urge them to take all measures possible to protect civilians, humanitarian workers, and civilian infrastructure.
USAID remains in constant communication with our implementing partners, and today’s meeting follows on from previous discussions with Administrator Power and leaders of humanitarian organizations.