The State Department said a solution to deliver food aid to Gaza was "steps away," as the aid community expressed skepticism.

A group of American security contractors, ex-military officers and humanitarian aid officials is proposing to take over the distribution of food and other supplies in Gaza based on plans similar to ones designed by Israel.

The Trump administration is pressing the U.N., aid organizations and allies to participate in a new Israeli plan to resume limited aid to Gaza under conditions that Jerusalem will strictly control.