Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Appointment of David Satterfield as Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues

Today, the State Department announced the appointment of Ambassador David Satterfield as the U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues, where he will focus on ensuring life-saving assistance can reach vulnerable people throughout the Middle East. Ambassador Satterfield's diplomatic experience and decades of work navigating the some of the world's most challenging conflicts will be instrumental in our continued effort to address humanitarian issues in the region – a top priority for President Biden – including our efforts to bring urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza, in coordination with the U.N., Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and other regional stakeholders.

We thank Ambassador Satterfield for his willingness to serve in this new capacity.