The Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US Department of State, Tommy Pigott highlighted the priority of the US administration when it comes to the issue of Israel, where he stated that the focus is on ending the conflict, ensuring the release of hostages and getting in as much food as possible into Gaza without it being "looted by Hamas". Pigott made the remarks during the Department of State briefing on Thursday (local time).

While answering several queries which were raised around the conflict in Israel, Deputy Spokesperson Pigott highlighted the latest move by the US government imposing visa sanctions on officials of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), citing non-compliance with past commitments.

Pigott said, "The State Department reported to Congress that the Palestine Liberation Organisation and the Palestinian Authority are not in compliance with their commitments under the PLO Commitments Compliance Act 1989 and the Middle East Peace Commitments Act 2002. In response, the United States is imposing sanctions that deny visas to PLO members and PA Officials."