Antony J. Blinken Secretary of State | Official website
President Biden has appointed Lise Grande as the new Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues, succeeding Ambassador David Satterfield. Grande's extensive humanitarian experience and background have been highlighted as crucial for addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The creation of this position by President Biden following the October 7th terrorist attacks reflects the urgent need to enhance regional diplomacy and humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza. Acknowledging Ambassador Satterfield's significant contributions, President Biden expressed gratitude for his service. Satterfield will continue supporting the Department of State as a Senior Advisor, offering his expertise and counsel on humanitarian matters.
Expressing anticipation for Grande's leadership in this critical role, President Biden emphasized the importance of sustaining and increasing life-saving humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Grande's wealth of experience, including overseeing complex operations in challenging environments such as Yemen and Iraq, positions her well to spearhead continuous humanitarian efforts in the region.
As the Special Envoy, Grande will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including USAID, government colleagues, regional partners, and the Government of Israel, to ensure the effective delivery of aid to those in need and the protection of humanitarian workers. President Biden affirmed the commitment of the United States to explore all avenues to guarantee the support reaches the most vulnerable populations in Gaza.
President Biden's appointment of Lise Grande as Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues underscores the administration's dedication to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and supporting those affected by ongoing challenges in the region.
