The below is attributable to Spokesperson Jessica Jennings:
On March 6, Administrator Samantha Power spoke with Israel’s Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog. Administrator Power and Ambassador Herzog spoke about the Administrator’s recent trip to the region and the need for Israel to do more to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid in Gaza. Administrator Power followed up on key actions that she discussed with Israeli officials that are needed to significantly increase the amount of aid reaching civilians in Gaza, such as opening additional land access routes and the need to protect civilians including the aid workers who risk their lives daily to deliver urgently needed assistance to vulnerable people. The Administrator also reiterated that the recent airdrops conducted by the U.S. military cannot replace the creation and expansion of land routes, which are the most efficient and cost-effective distribution channel to reach people in need. Administrator Power raised particular concern regarding the real risk of famine in Gaza, especially in the North, if current conditions persist. The two agreed to stay in close touch about the status of the urgent steps needed to increase humanitarian assistance.