The below is attributable to Spokesperson Jessica Jennings:
Today, Administrator Samantha Power met with USAID’s partner organizations working in Gaza to discuss addressing the humanitarian needs of civilians in Gaza. Administrator Power and leadership of the organizations discussed the vital need to get life-saving aid, including water, food, and medical care, to civilians and the urgency of protecting civilian lives. They also discussed the challenges humanitarian workers are currently facing on the ground. Administrator Power thanked the staff of the organizations for their work to support vulnerable people, despite the great risks to themselves. She underscored the United States’ commitment to supporting civilians caught in Hamas’ barbaric war.
On October 13, Administrator Power spoke with UN Resident Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory Lynn Hastings to discuss UN efforts to facilitate access and ensure that aid is able to reach those in urgent need of assistance. Administrator Power also joined Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer for a call with UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland. They discussed the current difficult humanitarian conditions in Gaza, as well as ongoing engagements with Egyptian, Israeli, and other regional counterparts to enable safe movement for civilians seeking protection in Gaza and to facilitate humanitarian access and assistance.