United States officials, including Senator Marco Rubio, met with former hostages and families of hostages held in Gaza on July 25th, emphasizing Hamas's responsibility to release all remaining captives. Separately, an organization called GHF reported that UN trucks carrying aid are idly sitting in Gaza, failing to reach the population, while calling for greater international and UN involvement in distribution. Senator Rubio stated on Thursday that he met with former hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel and the families of Itay Chen and Omer Neutra, two Americans killed by Hamas, highlighting the "unfathomable" grief these families have endured. He reiterated the US position that Hamas must release all remaining hostages. Meanwhile, GHF's Chapin Fay criticized the UN, stating that it is "indefensible" for undelivered food to remain in Gaza if famine and hunger are as severe as claimed, suggesting this inaction benefits Hamas. GHF has distributed over 92 million meals but stated that it cannot solely meet the needs of Gaza's population, urging the UN and the international community to increase their efforts. Reports from Gaza indicated at least 20 martyrs and over 300 injured near an aid center in northwest Gaza City, an area experiencing significant conflict. GHF's statement also noted that the aid sitting idle is out of reach of the Palestinian people, underscoring the urgent need for effective distribution mechanisms. The organization stressed that the people of Gaza are in dire need of assistance.
