During an interview with CBS on Wednesday, Vedant Patel, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the State Department, addressed concerns about the distribution of aid in Gaza.
Responding to a question on how the U.S. ensures aid reaches the right recipients, Patel emphasized the comprehensive approach being pursued in humanitarian efforts, emphasizing the importance of leveraging all available resources. He stressed the collaborative efforts underway with regional partners to facilitate aid distribution effectively.
Host Anne-Marie Green raised the issue of humanitarian aid distribution in light of the withdrawal of support from UNRWA, the primary provider of aid in Gaza by the U.S. and other nations. Green highlighted the challenges and risks associated with aid drops and sought reassurance regarding the targeting of aid to those most in need.
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In response, Patel reiterated the commitment to maximizing humanitarian aid efforts. He acknowledged the complexities involved and underscored ongoing collaboration with regional stakeholders. Regarding UNRWA, Patel acknowledged recent allegations concerning its employees and emphasized the organization’s internal investigations.
While recognizing UNRWA’s crucial role in aid provision, Patel emphasized the necessity for UNRWA to address internal challenges. He emphasized the U.S.’s stance against any involvement in terrorism or violence, emphasizing the importance of upholding humanitarian principles in aid distribution efforts.
