how to write letter resignation

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How to Write a Resignation Letter

Here’s what to say — and what to leave out.

Should you write a resignation letter? In most cases, quitting a job doesn’t require one. However, there are some situations in which you want to write one, the author explains in this piece. She outlines what those reasons are and offers advice for how to actually write one, including tips on what not  to say. The article also includes a template you can use with sample language.

You’ve made the decision to quit your job and you want to leave on a positive note. This starts with giving notice and letting people know in a professional way. So, do you need to send a resignation letter? If so, who do you send it to? And what do you say?

• Amy Gallo is a contributing editor at Harvard Business Review, cohost of the Women at Work podcast , and the author of two books: Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) and the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict . She writes and speaks about workplace dynamics. Watch her TEDx talk on conflict and follow her on LinkedIn . amyegallo

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How to Write a Resignation Letter (Template + Tips)

Submitting a resignation letter to your employer is a common practice when you go through the process of leaving a job. Here's where you can begin.

Submitting a resignation letter to your employer is a common practice when you go through the process of leaving a job. Typically, the letter won’t be the first communication you’ve had regarding your plans to leave, but it will formalize your decision by putting it in writing.

By the time you submit your resignation letter, oftentimes you will have already:

Decided to leave your job

Had a conversation with your manager informing them of your intention to leave

Determined your final date at your job, usually at least two weeks from when you announce your intention to leave

You’ll likely want to touch upon similar points during both the conversation with your manager and in your resignation letter, so you may find it helpful to pre-write portions of your letter before initiating the conversation in order to organize your thoughts. Here’s where you can begin.

How to write a formal resignation letter

Your resignation letter is simply putting your pre-announced plans into writing, so write it with the mindset that you’ve already done the hard parts—you’ve made the decision to leave and you told your manager.

Approaching this letter with the confidence that you’re making the best choice for yourself can help you stay focused on your main goal in writing the letter: to announce your growth.

Part 1: Opening

Address the first part of your letter to your manager, and clearly state that you are resigning from your position and when your last day with the company will be. There is no need to get creative with your wording here—you don’t want any room for confusion regarding your intention with this letter. Be clear and direct.

Dear [manager],

Please accept this letter as a formal notification of my resignation as [your position] at [company name]. My last day will be [date].

Part 2: Gratitude

In the second part of your letter, thank your manager for their role in your growth. Think about the aspects of your role where you were able to tap into and expand your greatest skills, and, whenever possible, try to reflect your manager’s influence in your success.

Lead this paragraph with an indication of thanks—such as “Thank you for…” “I am grateful for…” or “I appreciate your…”—and then move into the accomplishments you’re most proud of from your time with the company.

Thank you for your [manager’s contribution to your success] over these past [number of years you were with this company]. With your guidance, I was able to hone my [list your major skills], and I will always remember the pride I felt when [list your biggest accomplishment].

Sometimes it can be tricky to tap into gratitude, particularly if you are leaving under contentious reasons. Expressing thanks for the lessons you learned about yourself through those harsh circumstances can be one way to keep your letter honest and positive. For example:

*Thank you for sharing your high standards with me. You’ve taught me new ways to value my contributions.

*I am grateful for the opportunities to practice resilience in a fast-paced environment.

*Thank you for trusting me with your ever-evolving schedule. I’ll take with me lessons in organization and prioritization.

Part 3: Next steps

Before closing your letter, offer to assist with any transitions as your current responsibilities are redistributed. If you have any outstanding projects, note whether you will be completing them or delegating them to someone else. Your goal here is to show that even though you are exiting the company, you are determined to maintain a positive relationship.

Over my final [remaining amount of time] with the company, I plan to continue my daily tasks and complete outstanding projects. I will make myself available to train other team members as needed. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to ease this transition.

Thank you, again, for your support. Please stay in touch.

[Your name]

Resignation letter template

[Your header]

[Today’s date]

[Manager’s name]

[Company name]

[Company address]

[Your signature]

Resignation letter examples

The following examples of resignation letters offer two variations of the above template. You can adjust the template to suit your relationship, company culture, and company practices.

Dear Jane Smith,

Please accept this letter as a formal notification of my resignation as Executive Assistant at ABC Marketing. My final day will be Friday, April 8, 2022.

Thank you for your hands-on approach over these past three years. With your guidance and trust, I was able to hone my negotiation skills and gain confidence in building creative marketing strategies. I will always remember the pride I felt when we closed my first campaign deal.

Over my final two weeks with the company, I plan to continue my daily tasks and complete outstanding projects. I will make myself available to train other team members as needed. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to ease this transition.

Dear John Doe,

Please accept this letter as a formal notification of my resignation as Project Manager at XYZ Firm. My final day will be Tuesday, March 7, 2022.

I am grateful to have witnessed your sharp business perspective and steady focus on the company’s bottom line. Over my past year with the company, I have learned valuable lessons in budgeting and consolidation that I will surely take with me.

Over my final two weeks with the company, I plan to prepare team members to take over my ongoing projects. I will also make myself available to train additional team members at your request. Please let me know if there is anything additional that I can do to ease this transition.

Thank you for your support. I wish the best for you and the company moving forward.

Sometimes people face circumstances requiring their immediate resignation from their job. In these situations, you can generally follow the same resignation process. While you never owe an explanation regarding your resignation, if you hope to preserve your relationship with your employer, it may be courteous to explain your situation when you talk to your manager about your resignation. 

In your resignation letter, you’ll want to make clear that your resignation is effective immediately. You also may want to add a line acknowledging your sudden timeline or apologizing for any inconvenience. If you choose to, you can also mention that you are resigning for personal or family reasons.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How do you format a resignation letter ‎.

Since your resignation letter is a formal document, format it like you would a formal letter. Include your name and contact information as a header or footer. Put the date you are submitting your letter at the top of the page, followed by your manager’s name, the company name, and the company address. Don’t forget to close out your letter with your signature above your printed name. ‎

Can I email my resignation letter? ‎

The resignation process varies across companies, so you’ll want to check with your manager or someone in human resources to confirm your company policy. In general, as organizations continue to digitize their processes and incorporate remote working options, emailing formal documents such as resignation letters is becoming more common.

If you choose to email your resignation letter, save the document as a PDF, add an e-signature, and send your letter as an attachment in an email. This will preserve the formality of the letter and can help ensure that your letter remains unaltered throughout the filing process. ‎

What do I write if I don’t get along with my manager? ‎

Although your decision to resign is often a signifier of your growth toward a more positive future, negative environments or relationships can taint the overall tone of the process. If you are leaving a negative work culture and want to offer feedback regarding your experience, your resignation letter will not be the most effective way to do that.

A resignation letter is typically seen as a formality to keep on file rather than a place for active feedback, and most companies won’t have processes to deal with information received via a resignation letter. Instead, human resources departments will often organize exit interviews where they seek feedback from employees leaving the company. If you aren’t offered an exit interview, you can also request one with your manager or HR. ‎

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How to Write a Letter of Resignation

Leaving a job can feel exciting. But it can also be uncomfortable, especially when it comes to delivering the news to your current colleagues. Writing a resignation letter can feel difficult at a time when you already have a lot on your mind. It’s standard protocol to share this change face-to-face (out of courtesy for your manager and peers) and to also put the news in writing, in the form of a letter of resignation (for official HR purposes). But what if you don’t know what exactly to include and how to appropriately word it? 

Writing a resignation letter doesn’t have to be something to fret over. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about how to write a letter of resignation. We go over what to include in yours and cover some helpful tips. Plus, we provide a handy resignation letter template to get you started. 

What to include in your resignation letter

As with writing a cover letter , when you write a resignation letter you need to include specific information that the employer needs to know. On top of that, there’s work etiquette you should follow, so your employer will also expect certain pleasantries. Specifically, your resignation letter should include the following:

Formal greeting and closing

Resignation letters are business documents, so open with a formal “Dear” and conclude with an appropriate closing such as “ sincerely yours .”

Announcement of your resignation

Typically the first sentence of your resignation letter explains your intent to leave your role. This informs the reader right away about the contents of your letter, and avoids burying the lede. Clearly state that you’re resigning in plain language. If your resignation letter is too vague or ambiguous, your employers might misinterpret it. It’s best to be candid and direct—in other words, rip the bandage off quickly . 

Most people don’t enjoy delivering bad news, so some tend to soften their resignation letter with euphemisms or hedging (uncertain language like “I think . . .” or “it might be best if . . .”). Not only does this create ambiguity, but also it clutters up your writing with excess words that detract from your message.

Date you stop working

It’s crucial to openly state your last day of employment so that your company can properly adjust. A lot of preparations are needed, such as finding your replacement or even restructuring your team. To properly schedule and organize these events, the company needs a conclusive date. 

Offer to assist in the transition

When you resign, you put the company in a tough position. Proper work etiquette suggests that you help your team prepare for your departure during the time between your resignation and your last day to avoid burdening your coworkers. 

The specific ways you can help vary from job to job, but here are some common tasks:

• drafting a transition plan that details who will be taking which of your former tasks, as applicable
• training your replacement or colleagues
• handing off ownership of projects
• writing a manual on how you accomplish certain tasks
• detailing your ongoing schedule so someone can pick up where you left off
• informing/transferring your business contacts

You’ll likely need to work out such details with your manager, so you don’t need to commit to specifics in your letter of resignation. Even if there’s no assistance necessary, it’s still a thoughtful gesture to offer. Whoever’s reading your resignation letter will appreciate it. 

Polite statement of gratitude (if sincere)

Often it’s considered courteous to thank the company for the opportunity to work there, especially if they provided training or personal aid. Of course, if your reason for leaving involves a hostile workplace, feel free to disregard this section as it might come across as hypocritical or feel inauthentic. 

Contact information

Somewhere in your resignation letter, include up-to-date contact information for yourself. Perhaps HR might need to discuss something with you in the future, or maybe your colleagues or replacement will have a few questions. 

If you’re writing a formal letter, your contact information should go under your name in the upper-left corner. If you’re writing an email, you can add this to the bottom under your signature. 

How to write a letter of resignation

First and foremost, you need to choose the right channel of communication for your resignation letter. Usually, letters of resignation are sent as emails or printed out and delivered by hand. 

As mentioned above, it’s recommended to resign face-to-face (either in person or over a video call if you work remotely) and then deliver your resignation letter. Not only is this more polite, but also you control when the news is delivered. If you simply send an email or letter, you don’t know when the person will read it—that can complicate matters, especially concerning two weeks’ notice. 

Assuming you do resign in person first, the choice between printout and email depends on your company. More formal companies would like printout letters, whereas more casual ones would be fine with an email. If in doubt, you can simply ask your manager or HR team which they would prefer—after you break the news, of course. 

When writing your resignation, stick only to the essentials and keep it short: no more than one page . Cover all the areas mentioned above and leave it at that. No need to dwell on the details. 

If you have a personal relationship with your manager, you may feel you have more to say. In that case, why not send them a personal letter? Your resignation letter should be strictly professional, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share your thoughts in a separate, informal message. 

As for tone, use the same language as you would writing on LinkedIn . Even when emotions are involved, resignation letters are still formal documents. Avoid jokes, slang, emojis, and other communication that might seem too casual. 

Resignation letter template

Here’s a resignation letter template to help you get started. Feel free to copy it and fill in the fields accordingly. 

Dear [employer] ,

Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from [company] . My last day will be on [date] .

I’m grateful for the opportunity you and [company] have given me to learn and grow as a [job title] . It was a pleasure to be part of such an innovative and fast-paced team.

I’m eager to do whatever I can to help with this transition, including [helpful task] . I wish you and [company] all the best in reaching your goals.

Sincerely yours, 

[full name]

[phone number]

Tips on how to write a letter of resignation

Time it appropriately.

Your resignation letter shouldn’t be the first time your employer hears about your leaving. As we mentioned above, you can’t control when they read your letter, not to mention that significant news should always be told in person. 

Rather, your resignation letter acts more as documentation than notification . Think of it as a receipt . The best practice is to tell your manager that you’re resigning in person and then deliver the resignation letter as an official record. 

You can hand your employer a printout letter when you discuss it in person, or you can email it afterward. Either way, it should complement an in-person conversation, not replace it. 

Don’t burn bridges

Remaining cordial is not completely about good manners; it’s common for people to retain work relationships even after they resign. Perhaps there will be an attractive new opening at your old company in the future, or maybe you’d like to recommend them as a client for your new company. Those situations run more smoothly if you end things amicably. 

Moreover, you’ll often need to use your previous employer as a reference for new jobs. Saying negative things in your resignation letter will only hurt your chances of finding a new job if your previous employer holds a grudge. 

Instead of venting all your negative feelings, it’s best to be polite. Even if you’re leaving because of a hostile work environment, state that in professional terms—that way your company has your complaint on record in case others leave for the same reasons. 

Always proofread

Don’t taint your graceful exit with an embarrassing typo. As with any important document, proofread it carefully for mistakes before anyone else can see it. Give it a quick read when you’re finished to check for spelling and grammar mistakes. 

Grammarly’s writing suggestions will notify you of any mistakes while you write, with feedback on how to correct them. Moreover, our tone detector ensures your resignation letter comes across how you want it to, by letting you know if you sound too “informal,” “forceful,” or “accusatory,” granting you some extra peace of mind. 

This article was originally written in 2017 by Karen Hertzberg. It’s been updated to include new information.

How to Write a Resignation Letter [5+ Templates]

Quitting a job is never easy.

It’s almost like breaking up with someone - there are plenty of good memories, you learned a lot, but ultimately, it’s time to move on when it’s time to move on. 

Breakups can be messy. They involve a lot of crying and “it’s not you, it’s me”’s.

However, when it’s time for you to quit a job, there is no added emotional hassle (thank god).

Instead, you must write a letter of resignation . And it must be classy and professional, too.

Yes, even if your boss was Satan. Or worse, Michael Scott.

Among other things, you want to make sure you stay friends with your employers after you quit to get those valuable future references .

In this article, we’ll show you: 

1) Why writing a letter of resignation is so important

4) How to structure a formal letter of resignation [with an example]

3) Ready, fill-in-the-blank free samples for:

• Letter of resignation to your supervisor
• Letter of resignation to the board
• Immediate/short notice letter of resignation
• Emailing your letter of resignation

4) How to submit the resignation letter

Why Writing a Letter of Resignation Matters

A resignation letter is a legal document where you announce your intent to leave your current position within a company. It gives your employer formal proof that you want to resign and a traceable record that the conversation happened. 

I’m sure you’ve seen many movies where the protagonist barges in the office of his supervisor and yells: “That’s it, I quit!” Then, everybody claps, as the protagonist takes his wife and kids to live in some sort of ranch or camping in Hawaii or something. 

While that’s going on, all I can think about is: “He’s in so much legal trouble!”

Although that looks pretty cool, in real life, quitting is much less glamorous and I advise you to virtually do the opposite of the cool movie guy. 

You should give at least a two-weeks notice period (for some employers, this can be way longer) when you leave a job and make sure you end things on a good note . 

Let me tell you why:

When you leave a company, you are entitled to certain employment-related benefits , like severance pay, pension benefits, or overtime pay. You can only get them, however, if you hand in your resignation prior to your departure and within the contracted notice period. 

Check your company policy in the employee handbook or your employment contract for the exact benefits and the exact time-frame , because they may vary.

Also, you want to be helpful with the transition of responsibilities and daily duties, so that no information is lost or misinterpreted after you leave. At the end of the day, someone else will take your position: this could be an internal employee or they could hire someone else. 

Whichever the case, your team members need to know your exact duties and responsibilities, so almost no knowledge is lost in the process. The next guy/gal shouldn’t have a hard time figuring out what they’re supposed to do.

Essentially, those two weeks are when you pass the crown and make life easier for the person that will take your job.On top of that, you want to maintain a positive relationship with this employee so that you can use them as a reference in the future.

This might be the only case when still being friends after the “breakup” is okay.

• It’s best to have your resignation letter prepared before you have your cool “I quit” moment. 
• Print it out the day you decide to communicate your resignation to your boss.
• Your two-week countdown starts the moment you hand in the resignation letter.

How to Write a Letter of Resignation [+ Example]

A letter of resignation looks like any other official letter. 

The contents of it are pretty straightforward:

You open with your personal information (name, last name, email, etc.), the date, the manager’s personal information, and a formal greeting. If you forget to date your letter of resignation, all legal benefits of this written record can be open to dispute.

There are three main paragraphs in the body of the letter and each one serves a separate purpose:

• The first one informs the supervisor that you’re resigning. 
• The second expresses gratitude for the experience.
• The third and last paragraph offers your cooperation with the passage of duties & responsibilities.

And then you sign off with a formal greeting.

Here’s what to include in each section of your letter of resignation (with examples):

1) Letterhead: 

• Personal details 
• Manager details

“ Meagan Brown, Sales Manager at ABC Ventures

Senior Sales Manager

ABC Ventures ”

2) Opening greeting

“ Dear John, ”  

3) First paragraph: 

• Express that you’re resigning from your current position
• Mention the date again. 

“ Through this letter, I hereby announce my resignation from the position of Sales Manager for ABC Ventures, effective September 14, 2019. ”

4) Second paragraph:

• Say something nice about your experience in the job or the company. The more of a personal touch you can add, the better the impression you’ll leave.
• Thank your boss and the organization you worked for.

“ It has been a pleasure working with you and the entire ABC Ventures Sales team for the past five years. In my time here, I have grown professionally and made life-long friends. In particular, I would like to thank you for providing me with a rewarding learning experience and a warm working environment during my time at ABC. ”

5) Third paragraph:

• Volunteer to make the transition of responsibilities as smooth and simple as possible
• Offer your help.

“ You have my full commitment and cooperation for a smooth transition of responsibilities. Please let me know how I can be of further assistance. ”

6) Closing salutation, with your typed name and optional signature.

“ Sincerely,

Meagan Brown

[optional signature] ”

Here’s how this resignation letter would look like in its entirety:

You see how short and to the point this example letter is. Anything more than half a page is too much information.

There’s nothing fancy expected from you in a letter of resignation except to be professional . 

You don’t have to explain why you’re leaving or justify your decision. 

Follow this simple structure and you’re good to go!

4+ Resignation Letter Samples You Can Use Right Now

If that wasn’t easy enough, we have created four free, easy to use templates for you. 

Simply fill in the blanks and hand your resignation in.

Feel free to skip through them to see which one applies to you.

Letter of Resignation to Your Supervisor

A letter of resignation to your supervisor or manager looks just like the one Meagan wrote to her boss in the previous section.

Simply fill in the black with your information and hit the Print button.

[YourName] [YourLastname], [YourPosition], [Company]

[The date you are submitting the letter]

[Supervisor Name] [Supervisor Lastname]

[Supervisor Title]

Dear [Supervisor Name or Mr./Mrs. Last Name]*,

Through this letter, I hereby announce my resignation from the position of [Your position] for [Company], effective [Today’s date] 

It has been a pleasure working with you and the entire [company name] [department name] team for the past [timeframe you’ve been at the job]. In my time here, I have grown professionally and [something nice about the job]. In particular, I would like to thank you for [something your boss helped you with] during my time at [company].

You have my full commitment and cooperation for a smooth transition of responsibilities. Please let me know how I can be of further assistance.

[Your name] [Your last name]

[signature]

*depending on what they preferred to be referred to

Letter of Resignation to the Board

If you have been a member of a board and you answered only to the CEO himself (and other board members), you have to let them know of your departure.

Be professional, open, and give a short, not too in-depth reasoning for your resignation. 

Here’s a good sample you can fill in:

[YourName] [YourLastname], [YourPosition], [Organization]]

[Board Director Name] [Board Director Lastname]

[Organization]

Dear [Board Director Name or Mr./Mrs. Last Name],

Through this letter, I hereby announce my resignation from the position of [Your position on the Board] on the [Organization / Board Name], effective [Today’s date] due to [Short reasoning for why you’re leaving the board]*

It has been a pleasure working with you and the entire [company name] board for the past [timeframe you’ve been a part of the board]. I am proud of all we have accomplished, and I am certain more successes will follow in the future.

Please let me know if I can be of assistance during the transitory period.

[Your Name] [Your last name]

*Examples: 

• A family situation that needs my attention
• An overwhelming amount of responsibilities that need my attention
• Health-related reasons

Immediate/Short Notice Letter of Resignation

In this case, maybe you forgot there was a two-weeks notice. Or maybe, you weren’t aware that the contracted period was longer than you thought, or you just received an urgent offer you just can’t refuse.

And to that we say:

Didn’t you read the beginning of this post? It’s important .

But you might have found yourself in the middle of an unavoidable, unpredictable situation that requires you to quit your job within a shorter time frame.

You still need to write a resignation letter, and we have just the sample for you: 

Through this letter, I hereby announce my resignation from the position of [Your position] for [Company]. My last day of work will be [insert day of departure]. I understand that handing in my resignation to allow for a [contracted period] notice is customary, but due to circumstances not under my control, I have to depart sooner.

It has been a pleasure working with you and the entire [company name] [department name] team for the past [timeframe you’ve been at the jon]. In my time here, I have grown professionally and [something nice about the job]. In particular, I would like to thank you for [something your boss helped you with] during my time at [company].

You have my full commitment and cooperation for a smooth transition of responsibilities within the timeframe.* 

*If the resignation is immediate and you intend to leave that same day, omit this part, or express that you’ll be able to help remotely instead.

Emailing Your Letter of Resignation

You will usually email your letter of resignation right after you’ve told your boss in person, or, in extreme cases, you’re just breaking it to him for the first time.

In both cases, attach the letter of resignation as a document in the email following one of the samples we provided you with.

Here’s how to write the contents of the email you are attaching the letter of resignation to:

Email subject: Resignation Letter - Your Name & Last Name 

Email contents:

Please find my formal letter of resignation attached to this email.

Let me know how I can be of further help.

Best regards,

Email subject: Resignation - Your Name & Last Name 

Through the contents of this email, I am informing you of my resignation. My last day of work will be [insert day of departure]. I greatly apologize I can’t inform you in person, but it is due to circumstances beyond my control.

How to Submit Your Letter of Resignation

Now that you have your resignation letter ready to go, you’re probably worrying about how your manager is going to take it.

Here’s the thing:

Any good manager will understand that having staff leave is simply part of doing business. 

Yes, you may have a great relationship with your supervisor, and if you go about submitting your resignation in the right way, you can preserve that relationship . 

If you know your manager is very busy or is having a rough day, hold off on your resignation . You want to make sure the situation is appropriate.

Make sure to be considerate and always do it in person .

Never, ever, send an e-mail or hard-copy letter (or God forbid, a text) without verbally notifying them in person first. 

However, circumstances beyond our control may arise where you’d have to quit remotely. This is not a general best practice, but we’ve provided you with a sample above just in case. 

Once you’ve had that conversation, either send your letter to your manager by email (with the current date on it) or print a hard copy for him/her and hand it in when you tell him/her the news.

If you really want to go the extra mile with your professionalism: 

Consider providing more time than the minimum notice period required. 

Giving your manager extra time to make arrangements for a replacement shows courtesy and respect, especially if you are in a senior role.

Be professional, thankful, and humble in person as well. After all, not every breakup has to be painful. 

One last thing:

Try to hide your excitement. No smiling cheek to cheek like you’re about to escape hell, even if that’s the case.

Two more weeks! You can do it!

Key Takeaways

Let’s sum up everything we learned in this post:

• A letter of resignation is a formal legal document that lets your employer know you have decided to leave the job.
• Give two weeks notice to your boss. If you want to go the extra mile, make it a month or more.
• Include the contact information of both your supervisor and yourself in the resignation letter. You don’t have to explain the reason you are leaving. Be short (usually not more than half a page) and professional.
• Express gratitude for the experience and offer to help while they find a replacement for you.
• Always try to resign in person and at an appropriate time.

Now that we’ve explained all you need to know about writing a resignation letter, it’s time to get started. Want your letter of resignation to look as professional as it can be? Try one of Novorésumé templates.

Suggested Reading:

• Top 21 Career Influencers to Follow
• How to Write a Motivational Letter
• How to Write a CV That Gets Noticed

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• Leaving a Job

Immediate Resignation Letter Examples

Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.

How to Handle an Immediate Resignation

What to write when you need to quit right away, immediate resignation letter sample - personal reasons, immediate resignation letter with no reason example.

How should you resign if you need to quit your job right away? The  best way to quit a job , if possible, is to give at least  two weeks' notice  and to offer your assistance during the transition. But we don’t live in a perfect world, and sometimes circumstances intervene. Although it is not ideal, in some cases you may need to leave your job immediately  without giving notice  because of family, personal, or other issues.

What's the best way to handle a resignation when you're not able to give notice? In this case, you may find yourself at a loss for words as you prepare to confront your soon-to-be-former manager when you give notice. Should you share personal reasons for leaving? Should you still offer to help, even if you know that the interaction may be awkward after your sudden departure?

Check Your Employment Agreement

Before you resign without giving notice be sure to check the terms of your employment agreement or contract, if you are covered by one. In all U.S. states other than Montana, employees are considered to be "at will," which means your employment can be terminated (or you can resign) without a reason, with some exceptions .

However, if you have a contract with your employer or are covered by a bargaining agreement, the terms of that contract may apply. Check with your human resources department if you're not sure of your requirements for providing notice.

Resigning in Writing

It can be easier to tell your boss in writing, and a good template can help with a smooth exit. The resignation letter examples below offer two possibilities of what to write when you find yourself in this situation. The first is a sample letter from someone who is leaving their job immediately because of personal reasons, and the second is from someone resigning immediately without providing a reason for leaving. Be sure to tailor your letter to your specific situation and circumstances.

Following Up a Verbal Resignation With a Letter

Although not always possible, it may be a good idea to break this type of news initially  in person , or  over the phone . If you do provide a verbal resignation, however, you should also back it up with a written letter so you have documentation, if needed, for your stated last day of work.

It’s important to keep in mind that, if possible, you should do your best to provide a  satisfactory explanation  for your immediate resignation—especially if you want to maintain a positive relationship with the employer.

Know that you do not owe your employer all the specific details of your circumstances. However, if you do want to provide a bit more information on your circumstances, you can keep your letter vague (e.g., you are leaving due to “personal reasons” or “family circumstances”) and then offer a further explanation in a follow-up conversation, though this is not necessary.

Since sudden resignations can be difficult for companies, it is important to be highly professional in your letter. If you want to try to leave on good terms despite the circumstances, then offer your apologies and your willingness to do your best to assist with the transition.

However, if your personal circumstances would limit you from being involved in the transition, be honest about this. You don’t want to overpromise something you cannot deliver. Even if you are leaving because of a conflict, refrain from saying anything negative about any employee or supervisor and keep your communication neutral.

Read on for two sample letters you can use as inspiration to write your own resignation letter.

This is an immediate resignation letter example. Download the immediate resignation letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Immediate Resignation Letter Sample - Personal Reasons (Text Version)

Sheryl Lau 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 sheryl.lau@email.com

September 15, 2021

Florence Lee Business Development Manager ACME Consultants 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Lee:

I regret to inform you that I am resigning from my position here immediately as a Business Development Consultant for personal reasons. My last day will be tomorrow. I know this is unexpected, but I am happy to assist you in the replacement process to help alleviate the transition.

I cannot thank you enough for the opportunities this company has provided me. Working here for the last five years has been incredibly instrumental in my personal growth, and I will never forget the colleagues and friends I have made here.

I will miss both the customers and the company alike very much.

If there is anything I can do to help make this transition easier, please let me know. I do not intend to inconvenience you with this news, and I hope you will accept my most sincere apologies for making September 16th my final day here.

If necessary, I can be available for phone and email inquiries from home on a limited basis for the weeks following my departure date.

Thank you so much for your understanding in this matter. I have loved my job, and I will look back on my time here with wonderful memories.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Here's a concise resignation letter sample that simply states the employee is moving on.

Immediate Resignation Letter With No Reason Example (Text Version)

Phillip Rodriguez 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 phillip.rodriguez@email.com

Mr. Grayson Keeler National Pride Bank 666 Heep Rd. Newton, MA 02458

Dear Mr. Keeler:

Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from National Pride Bank as loan manager.

While my contract requires me to work until October 3, I would be obliged if I could cease work immediately. I will assume this is satisfactory unless otherwise noted.

Please let me know if I can be of assistance during the transition.

Respectfully yours,

Phillip Rodriguez

The Bottom Line

Talk to Your Boss: When possible, tell your boss in-person or on the phone that you need to resign right away.

You Don't Need to Give a Reason: It's not necessary to share the details of why you need to move on when you resign.

Offer to Help: If you have availability to help with the transition, it can smooth your departure.

• NCSL.org. " At-Will Employment - Overview ," Accessed Sept. 9, 2021.
• FindLaw. " Pros and Cons of Written Employee Contracts ." Accessed Sept. 9, 2021.

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A Detailed Guide to Writing Resignation Letters (With 6 Samples)

An employee resignation letter is the best way to end the professional association with an employee. Employers should encourage their employees to write formal resignation letters if they wish to leave the company. This is better than uninformed prolonged leave of absence or going absconding without any explanation.

Table of Contents:

What are resignation letters?

Importance of resignation letters, how to write resignation letters.

• Tips to remember while writing a resignation letter

Resignation letter templates

The resignation letter is mainly an official document, which records the termination or an employee’s end of employment with your company. The employee should submit this letter after intimating their decision to resign via email or in-person.

Ideally, you should encourage your employees to speak with their reporting manager directly before they send the resignation letter. This would give you ample time to prepare for the eventuality. If your employees are working remotely or cannot meet their manager physically, for some reason, ask them to connect with their managers via the phone or video chat.

If the employee has made their mind, you can provide them with a resignation letter template or sample and ask them to submit the letter in the given format.

In general, the best resignation letters should cover the following details:

• Resignation statement for the company
• Last date of employment
• Statement expressing gratitude
• Important information or next steps

If an employee has decided to leave the job, then it is considered a professional courtesy to let them go. If they need help on the front, give them a resignation letter format to use. Resignation letters hold great importance for the HR department, as it helps them keep an official record of the employee’s resignation and accordingly calculate the final settlement and the severance pay for the employee.

Resignation letters also contain significant operational information, which can be of use to the reporting manager, such as the final working day of the employee and the notice period to be served. This will help them effectively plan their manpower requirements after the employee leaves.

The process of writing resignation letters is simple, provided the employee follows some key steps. The employee should be encouraged to meet their reporting manager before writing the letter. This is so as to follow the right resignation processes and policies set by your company.

A resignation letter must cover the following information:

Date and time: The standard resignation letter should contain the date and time, along with a few additional details. It will help to keep a proper track record of the notice period or for the final settlement.

This information may not be required in a resignation email, as the information is already available in the document provided. However, if you plan to write a handwritten letter, then you must add these details on the document’s top right corner.

Direct address: The employee should mention the full name of the recipient. They may use salutations like “Dear”, “Mr/Ms”, “Hello” followed by the last name of the reporting manager.

Subject: In the subject section, the employee should indicate their reason for writing the letter. In this case, the subject should be stated as a “letter of resignation”.

Resignation statement: The employee should clearly state that they are writing this letter to submit their formal resignation. They may also include their job title to inform the company of the position that is becoming vacant.

Last working day: It is standard practice, across industries, for employees to serve a minimum of 30-days’ notice before finally resigning. You can add specific data about the notice period term and final working day with the company.

Gratitude statement: Whatever the experience may have been during the tenure, it is only nice to part ways on a positive note. To ensure this ideology is followed, you can ask your resigning employees to include a statement of gratitude to their reporting manager or the company in their resignation letter. This will help them maintain a positive and professional relationship, irrespective of whether they stay with the company or not.

Irrespective of the reason for resignation, employees should ensure that the tone of the resignation letter is positive. This will help the employee to stay in touch with their managers professionally even after having left the company.

List the next steps: The employee should list all the important information that their reporting manager must know about this transition. For example, include the details about the next step.

Proper closing with signature: Finally, the employee should close the letter with an appropriate closing statement, such as ‘thank you’ or ‘ yours sincerely’, followed by their name.

Additional tips to remember while writing a resignation letter

• Employees must never use the resignation letter as a medium to vent out frustration.
• Advice the employees to always deliver the resignation letter personally to their reporting managers.
• A resignation letter must be brief, simple and direct so that one can constructively convey their decision.
• Employees must plan their resignations to ensure a smooth operational transition for the company. This will also make sure that they do not go unpaid. If there is a gap after the last working day at the current/previous company and before joining a new company, the person would be idle for a few days without any payment.
• Employees should follow instructions provided by their reporting manager on the next steps they need to follow to ensure a smooth transition and final settlement process. The manager may ask them to finish any pending projects or take certain steps so that the company operations carry on without hiccups.

Below is a generic resignation letter examples for employees:

1. Dear (name of reporting manager),

Kindly accept this document as my formal resignation notice from (name of company). My last working day will be (final working date) — 30 days from today, (date). I am very grateful for your support and guidance during my time at the company. I appreciate all my valuable experiences while on the job. It was such a pleasure working with the team and, especially, you.

Do guide me about what to do to make this transition smooth. Thank you once again and best of luck.

Best wishes (Employee name)

Note: This is a basic template for employees, which provides all basic information to be incorporated in a simple resignation letter. However, you can give employees an option to customize it as per their preference.

Resignation letter samples and formats to be used for different circumstances:

2. For a better opportunity

To, Name of reporting manager Company name Address Date

Subject: Letter of Resignation

With this letter, I would like to inform you that I have been offered a job at another company. The role is a great next step for my career. I request you to accept this letter as my formal announcement of resignation from my duties towards (company name). My 30-days’ notice period commences on (start date) and ends on (last working date).

I am grateful for the ample opportunities I received to learn and grow during my term with the company.

Yours sincerely, (Signature) (Full name)

3. For relocation

Please note that this letter is my formal resignation announcement from (company name). I am relocating to (city/country name), therefore, it won’t be possible for me to continue with the current job.

My last working day would be (last working date) — 30 days from (start date). I thank you for the opportunities that allowed me to grow and learn. I hope my new position is equally inspiring, motivating and helpful.

I wish the best for you and the company.

I would like to be guided on how to make this transition a smooth process.

4. For family reasons

Kindly accept my request of resignation effective from (last working date). My wife/husband and I welcomed our first/second/third (or another number) child a month ago. Post my parental leave, I would like to remain home with our child/children to focus on my family’s needs.

I hope you will understand my situation and I thank you in advance for it. Please inform me of any duties you would like me to perform in my notice period.

5. For undisclosed reasons

If the employee does not have a specific reason or they do not want to disclose their reason for leaving, they can customise the below version of a short resignation letter.

This letter is to inform you that I need to resign from (company name) by (date). Certain family/personal circumstances have arisen, which require my full-time attention. I will not be able to continue as (role/designation) any further.

I will be available over the next 30-days, until (last working date) to offer my assistance and support for a smooth transition.

6. For a change in career

This is a request to accept my resignation effective (final working date). I have been offered a new position with a different company. I think it is the right move for me at this point in my career and have, hence, accepted it.

I am extremely grateful for all the learning opportunities I received during my time with (company name). My last working day would be (final date).

Kindly let me know how I can assist you in making this transition seamless and positive. I will help you with the needful.

Note: It is not mandatory to mention the future employer’s name in the resignation letter. In fact, it is recommended to leave out that information.

For an employer, an employee resignation letter is the best way to end the professional association with an employee. It allows them to end things on a positive note. Therefore, employers should encourage their employees to write formal resignation letters if they wish to leave the company. This is better than uninformed prolonged leave of absence or going absconding without any explanation. Employers should provide their employees with the required framework (template) to write an effective resignation letter.

Related Articles:

13 Best Tips to Write Effective Job Posts for New Hires Top 10 Illegal and Legal Reasons for Firing Employees The Art of Writing Employment Letters A Detailed Guide to Becoming a Good Interviewer 7 Best Relieving Letter Templates 7 Best Ways to Reduce Employee Attrition

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Resignation notice letter template

Template for an employee to use to resign and give notice. Free to use.

You can copy and paste the template text into an email or document.

[Today's date]

Dear [name of manager] ,

Please accept this as notice of my resignation from the position of [your job title] at [business or organisation name] .

Since my notice period is [X weeks/months] , I believe my last day will be [date] . Please let me know if that is incorrect.

[Optional] Please let me know how much accrued holiday and pay I am owed.

[Optional – adapt this for your personal circumstances and relationship] Thank you for the support you have given me during my time at [business or organisation name] . Please let me know if there is anything you need from me before I leave.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]

Advice on notice periods

You can find out how much notice you'll need to give in our advice on notice periods .

If you're resigning because you believe you have no other choice

If you believe you have no choice but to resign because of something your employer has done, this can change how much notice you need to give. For example, you might not need to give any notice if there has been a serious breach of your contract.

This is a complex area of law so to find out more:

• read our advice on constructive dismissal
• contact the Acas helpline

Download this template

• Download this template in Microsoft Word format (DOCX, 24KB)
• Download this template in Open Document format (ODT, 7KB)

If you need this template in a different format, email [email protected] .

If you like, you can tell us more about what was useful on this page. We cannot reply – so do not include any personal details, for example your email address or phone number. If you have any questions about your individual circumstances, you can contact the Acas helpline .

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Department Press Briefing – November 6, 2023

Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson

November 6, 2023

Article Index

• ISRAEL / PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES / REGION
• GLOBAL / DEPARTMENT

1:22 p.m. EST

MR PATEL: Good afternoon, everybody.

QUESTION: Good afternoon.

MR PATEL: Good to see you all today. Shaun, you want to kick us off?

QUESTION: Sure. Welcome back.

MR PATEL: Thank you, thank you. I don’t have anything off the top, so go for it.

QUESTION: Could I ask you to follow up on the Secretary’s remarks today in Ankara?

MR PATEL: Sure.

QUESTION: He said that more aid – that there’s U.S. effort to get more aid in. Could you give us an update on that? There’s been some slowdown in the aid getting in there. How optimistic is the U.S. for getting more assistance into – in through Rafah?

MR PATEL: Look, I would echo what the Secretary said earlier today, that we continue to push through this aggressively. We know that there continues to be a dire need for humanitarian assistance, and we’re going to continue to work those efforts to ensure that that can happen. I would also use this opportunity to note that as of November 6th, approximately 476 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies had entered Gaza through the Rafah Crossing. That number, the number of trucks arriving in Gaza, has been steadily increasing over the past recent days, thanks in large part to Special Envoy Satterfield’s important work and the coordination role that he’s playing between Egypt, Israel, and humanitarian partners to scale up the delivery of assistance.

We also recognize that that is not enough and we know that more is needed, and we’ll continue to work with partners in the region as the Secretary has been so that we can work to increase and sustain assistance as this progresses.

QUESTION: I’m sure there’s follow-up on that, but on the Americans who are – that’s another part of this equation. I think the latest figure we’ve heard was more than 300 U.S. citizens or green card holders or relatives. Do you have an update on how many Americans are – have been able to leave and how many more might be still waiting to leave?

MR PATEL: So that continues to be the figure that we’re tracking. [As of] November 1st we’ve assisted more than 300 U.S. citizens, LPRs, and other eligible individuals to depart. We expect these numbers will continue to grow, and we’ll have more updates as, of course, that progresses. And for impacted American citizens we’ll continue to remain in close touch with them as opportunities to leave continue to present themselves.

QUESTION: Thank you, Vedant. Can you update us specifically today on Rafah Crossing? Is it in fact open today? And if so, why did it close? At whose instruction did it close over the weekend?

MR PATEL: So our understanding is that it was open today till sundown in the region, and as for the day-to-day updates of opening and closing, I’m just not going to get into that. Obviously this is something the Secretary and Matt have spoke to as well, but it’s important to remember that this is not a crossing we control, and so we’re continuing to work in the region to ensure, one, that humanitarian assistance can flow appropriately into Gaza to help civilians; but also, American citizens who are interested in departing are able to do so at the appropriate cadence that these crossings are open.

We are in contact with U.S. citizens and their immediate family members and are keeping them informed of the shifting conditions. We’re acting – we’re asking impacted U.S. citizens to not just keep an eye out for contact from the department but also keep an eye out on the Palestinian general authority crossing and borders Facebook page, where some of these lists are being updated on a regular basis about who’s going to be eligible to cross or not.

QUESTION: So there are reports that Hamas insisted it be closed in order to secure a commitment from Israel that it would not strike ambulances. There are reports that Hamas wanted to get assurances that wounded Palestinians could get out. Can you weigh in at all on the validity of those reports?

MR PATEL: I can’t. I don’t have any confirmation or assessment to offer on those. I think broadly, of course, we’re doing everything we can to ensure that the impact on civilians is as minimal as possible, and we’re continuing to coordinate in the region to assist impacted American citizens.

QUESTION: Okay. Just two quick other ones.

QUESTION: Of the 476 trucks that you said entered since – as of November 6th, did any of those go today? Were there any aid trucks going —

MR PATEL: I don’t have – for operational security reasons, Olivia, I’m just not going to parse into specific breakdowns beyond what I’ve shared.

QUESTION: It had been the practice of the department to update us regularly on the number of trucks going in and people getting out.

MR PATEL: As we have more metrics to share, we certainly will be in a place to do so, but I don’t – I’m not in a place to parse these more specifically at this moment.

QUESTION: Okay. And one last one: Was the Secretary able to secure a commitment from the Israelis about fuel getting into Gaza? That has been a top concern – hospitals facing shortages, if not completely devoid of fuel. Did the Israeli Government make any commitment about the provision of fuel into Gaza?

MR PATEL: So fuel is obviously something that we are continuing to pay close attention to. It is urgently needed in Gaza. It plays a critical role in enabling the desalination and distribution of clean water. We understand that there are legitimate sensitivities around that, and so we’re continuing to work through Special Envoy Satterfield and others and discussing directly with our Israeli counterparts, our Egyptian counterparts, and others of ways that we can allow fuel into Gaza in a way that will benefit civilians but not potentially empower Hamas or be diverted in a way – in such a way.

QUESTION: I have others, but I’ll defer to colleagues.

MR PATEL: Go ahead.

QUESTION: Two questions if you don’t mind.

MR PATEL: Yeah.

QUESTION: So according to State’s website, right now we’ve got 70 countries at a Level 2, 20 countries at Level 3, and 20 countries at a Level 4 Travel Warning, indicating that Americans are now either at increased risk or completely unsafe in 110 countries in the world. How concerning is that to the State Department?

MR PATEL: I would actually take issue with how you are characterizing our Travel Advisory warnings. They are not – they are – they are assessments of what our recommendation is for travel to those regions. And then on specific countries, there are specific breakdowns of what those potential risk factors could be. Level 4, the highest level, indicates it is a country that we do not believe is safe for American citizens to travel to. And —

QUESTION: Right.

MR PATEL: — going down from 4 to 1. So it’s a little bit more nuanced than the way that —

QUESTION: Where’s the disagreement? I characterized —

MR PATEL: — than the way that you characterized it.

QUESTION: — it as Americans are either at an increased risk or they’re unsafe in those countries, which is why State Department advises them to not travel there.

MR PATEL: That’s correct. I still don’t understand, though, your question.

QUESTION: Well, the big picture is that there’s 110 countries, right, which is, I think, more than half the countries that the U.S. recognizes around the world, where Americans are at increased risk right now. Is that concerning to the State Department?

MR PATEL: There are a variety of factors that go into assessing what the Travel Advisory is for a specific country. Obviously risk for violence, arrest, wrongful detention, public health factors – these are the many things that go into an ultimate travel designation. And when circumstances change in a particular region, as you saw us do for Israel and the Palestinian territories in the aftermath of the horrific October 7th attack, we will update our Travel Advisories to ensure that American citizens have the most up-to-date and best information possible. But I would – I would not say that there is some kind of trend or anything like that. What this is about, each country is different; we make those assessments based on the in-country conditions and we make sure that the American people have the best information possible.

QUESTION: So does it not – is it not concerning overall? Is that – how would you categorize looking at the big picture right now?

MR PATEL: This isn’t about the big picture. This is about the specific travel indicators and safety indicators in a specific country, and each country is different and the circumstances in some countries are different than others. So this is not about the big picture. This is about assessments and indications that are in each unique country, and when those circumstances and those situations change, we adjust our Travel Advisory warning for that specific country. It is on a country-by-country basis. In some countries it is even on a province-by-province, on a region-by-region basis. That is the specificity and the seriousness by which we take this.

I understand, like, what you’re trying to ask. I just categorically reject that this is some kind of broad brushstroke trendline. This is about individual, specific countries and the parameters that exist in certain countries that make them a Level 1, a Level 2, a Level 3, or a Level 4.

QUESTION: Can I ask a quick follow-up —

QUESTION: — on the aid question?

QUESTION: How confident is the administration now that Hamas is not – I mean, I asked the same question last week and the answer was that Hamas had not, as of that time, diverted or stolen any aid that had gone in through Rafah. Is that still the status quo?

MR PATEL: That continues to be – that continues to be our – that continues to be our understanding. There have been no reports of the diversion of aid. There’s been no reason for us to believe that there’s been a diversion of aid to Hamas. Both the State Department and USAID, we have a robust process in place to mitigate that risk. We work collaboratively to vet partners in the region, to vet assistance partners and things like that to ensure that aid directly or indirectly does not benefit Hamas or any other potential terrorist group in other parts of the world where we have aid as well. We take this responsibility to the American taxpayer incredibly seriously.

Said, go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you, Vedant. Yesterday The New York Times attributed to a U.S. official concurring with the figures that are stated by the health ministry in Gaza on the number of killed. This figure as of today is about 10,000-plus, including 4,000 children. Do you accept that figure? Do you concur with that figure?

MR PATEL: Said, that is a figure – that is one of the figures that is currently being used —

QUESTION: Okay.

MR PATEL: — to assess the number of casualties in Gaza right now. And candidly, Said, of course any number above zero is heartbreaking.

QUESTION: I understand. I just want to ask you if you have other figures. I mean, you’re saying there are other figures. What are the other figures?

MR PATEL: I am not saying there’s other figures, and I think if you are referencing some of the comments made last week by the President and others about questioning those metrics, I think we were very clear that no one in this administration is questioning that fatalities have happened, that civilians have lost their lives in Gaza. What we are saying is that this is a ministry that is run by Hamas that just a number of weeks previously – please let me finish, Said – that just a number of weeks previously had unleashed a horrific terrorist attack on Israel, that has a track record of inflating and being inaccurate about fatalities.

And so the point that we are simply making is that there is that track record. That does not mean that these civilian casualties are not heartbreaking, that we – that does not mean we’re not doing everything we can to ensure that number stays as low as possible. There is not another entity counting casualties in the region right now.

QUESTION: Right, okay.

MR PATEL: The security parameters in the region right now make it difficult for other entities to be able to do so. So that is the number that currently exists. Of course it is heartbreaking for any number —

QUESTION: Right. I understand all this.

QUESTION: I just want to let you know there is actually a system, because COGAT controls all these things. Everyone born, everyone that dies in Gaza, is listed by the authority for the territories and Gaza in Israel. But that’s up to you. I’m not asking – I’m not arguing this issue. I’m saying, do you accept what was said in The New York Times , attributed to a U.S. official, that they actually do concur with the figures that were stated or listed by the government – the ministry of health in Gaza?

MR PATEL: Yeah. And again, Said what I would just say is that no one in this administration, myself included, questions the humanitarian crisis that is happening in Gaza or that there has been a significant loss of civilian life.

QUESTION: Okay. I —

MR PATEL: As it relates to that specific number, again, I’m aware of that specific reporting, and it continues to be a number that we are also including and looking at and assessing in our own internal assessment and parameters of the situation that’s ongoing.

QUESTION: A couple of other issues if I may.

QUESTION: If my colleagues indulge me. On the issue of the West Bank and the guns that are going to Israel, the new M-16s and so on, are you confident that these will not be handed to the settlers, as Ben-Gvir promised?

MR PATEL: Said, we have been incredibly clear to our partners in Israel that steps need to be taken to address the extremist violence that we have seen in the West Bank. And we heard the Israeli Government, and the Secretary has been deeply engaged in this directly as part of his travels, making these – we’ve heard the Israeli Government making these commitments and understanding that there is a responsibility there. And we’re watching very closely to make sure that it happens.

QUESTION: Okay. And let me ask you something. I mean, we have seen in Washington a demonstration that probably have close to 300,000 – a lot of people out there. Do you take note of that? Do you take of this – these demonstrations in Los Angeles, in New York, across the globe as a matter of fact – 2 million people in Indonesia and so on – that are calling for a ceasefire? Do you actually take this into account, or you completely dismiss this public sentiment?

MR PATEL: Of course, Said, there are a number of factors that go into whatever this government response or viewpoint is going to be on any particular issue area in the world. And that of course includes the situation right now in the Middle East. Of course, first and foremost is what we believe to be in the interest of the American people and in the national security interest of the United States. But yes, of course, we are watching closely around the world as many are making their voices heard and exercising their freedom of speech and the First Amendment to make their points of view clear as it relates to this.

QUESTION: And do you believe – finally, finally, I promise. Do you believe that after the Secretary’s trip that he went through the region, that you guys would have a better idea what the endgame should look like, or what it should be, and when? I mean, this thing can go on forever, the bombing of civilians and so on.

MR PATEL: That continues to be one of the many things that is being discussed and is being looked at not just by the Secretary while he is in the region traveling but by others as well. Of course it is incredibly important to think about the steps that are being taken to ensure that Hamas cannot do this again, and what other things might look like for the region. But one thing that has been evergreen and consistent, Said, is that we have been clear that we continue to believe that the only sole viable path for durable security and durable peace for Israelis and Palestinians is a two-state solution.

Will, you hand your hand up. Go ahead.

QUESTION: Yeah, thank you. Just kind of following up a bit on Said’s points and Olivia’s.

QUESTION: Looking at the civilian deaths mounting quickly to 10,000, and they keep mounting; looking at the humanitarian hang-ups, in terms of fuel and other goods; is the administration feel like it’s under pressure not just from protesters, from Democrats in Congress, from others, to change its message to Israel, to change – to use its influence with Israel to bring about a course change. Is the administration under pressure, and is there a limit, is there a point somewhere if the civilian casualties keep adding up or humanitarian goods don’t flow, where the administration might change its message to Israel?

MR PATEL: Will, what I can just say is that right now we are squarely focused on a number of things. First, that continues to be ensuring that humanitarian aid can get into Gaza and help the civilians that need it. No one in this administration – myself, Matt, the Secretary, the President – is trying to undermine or downplay the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza right now.

Number two, we’re continuing take steps to work with the Israeli Government and other partners in the region to ensure that hostages can be released, and that can be done so as swiftly as possible. And one of the messages that Secretary Blinken is carrying loud and clear in his travels to any country is that it cannot be as business as usual with Hamas, and any country who has – feels that they have a constructive role to play in the release of these hostages should do so.

And thirdly, we’re taking steps to continue to support our Israeli partners as they defend themselves and ensure that Hamas cannot do something like this again.

And of course, throughout all of that we are making it incredibly clear that there are international laws in which the ways these operations need to be conducted and that steps need to be taken to ensure that civilian – the impact on civilians is minimized as much as possible. We’ve been clear with that with the Israelis. It’s something that the Secretary has raised in his travels directly with his counterparts, and it’s something that we’ll continue to do so.

And meanwhile, Congress, others, the American people should continue to make their voices heard and to express their opinions about what’s happening around the world. We believe that’s incredibly important, too.

QUESTION: Thank you. I have three questions. The Jordanian air force managed to air drop last night medical assistance to Palestinians in Gaza. Why can’t the U.S. do the same, and you can add water bottles for example or food that can be dropped from the air that happens actually in many other conflict area like in southern Sudan, for example? That’s my first question.

MR PATEL: I’m not going to speak to the specifics of the security parameters, Nadia, that would allow such an operation to happen or not happen. I just don’t have the expertise to speak to that. So I can get back to you to see if we have anything additional.

QUESTION: But if – yeah, if it’s something that the U.S. can —

MR PATEL: Happy – happy to check. But what I will just note, though, that we have taken our responsibility as it relates to the humanitarian response incredibly seriously. As I said at the beginning of this briefing, 476 trucks have made it into Gaza through the Rafah Crossing. We continue to do everything we can to ensure that additional humanitarian aid can get into the region. It’s something that the Secretary is incredibly engaged on as well.

And as you probably remember, in October the President announced an additional $100 million in U.S. Government support to continue to support humanitarian needs. Through USAID, we’ve also been able to provide pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies, and we have been – through the UN World Food Program been able to distribute electronic food vouchers and others.

I’m not at all saying that any of this is enough. As I have said, that this continues to be a dire humanitarian situation and more is needed, and the American people and people around the world can expect the United States to continue to take these kinds of efforts.

QUESTION: Yeah, because this operation at times, it was coordinated with the Israelis, so I guess it’s doable for the U.S.

Do you believe that Israel in this months-long war with 10,000 civilian dead, 4,000 kids, 720 people being displaced according to the last figure from the UN – do you believe that Israel has not violated any international law, humanitarian law, the Geneva Convention, with the staggering figures that we are citing today?

MR PATEL: We have been incredibly clear, Nadia, about the necessity of taking feasible precautions to avoid civilian harm, and we believe that that’s especially true when it comes to children and refugees. Our viewpoint is that deaths are not just – they’re not just metrics, they’re not just statistics. They are lost futures. They are lost dreams and lost potentials.

We have said publicly and privately dating back to October 7th that Israel has every right to defend itself, to defend its security. We also believe very clearly, though, that it is important for Israel to differentiate between Hamas terrorists and civilians even as Hamas continues to use civilian shields and Hamas continues to put their infrastructure and their rockets in places in civilian areas and have dug tunnels deep underneath critical civilian infrastructure in Gaza that has impacted protected sites like schools and hospitals and other civilian infrastructure. All of this is incredibly important and all of this are things that we are raising directly with our Israeli counterparts. When the Secretary travels around the world and meets with people like Prime Minister Netanyahu and his counterparts, that’s not just hyperbole. It’s not just for – to put a readout in your guys’ inboxes. It is direct, hand-to-hand diplomacy, face-to-face, making these issues that are incredibly important to the United States – putting them front and center as we continue to navigate this region.

QUESTION: Finally, just one last question. Sorry. On the settlers violence – there’s reports that actually the Israeli Government has been asking for a new shipment of rifles to arm settlers in the West Bank, and this has to be approved by the State Department. And I guess you have to inform Congress as well. How do you differentiate between the weapons that you provide to Israel, which clearly – the U.S. law says it cannot be used by civilians by any army, let alone by settlers? Will you consider it illegal in the West Bank?

MR PATEL: So I’m not aware of that specific report, Nadia, but what I would just say is – reiterate what I told Said. We are – while we pay attention to, of course, what’s happening in Gaza, we continue to be incredibly concerned about what’s happening in the West Bank as well, especially in the space of extremist violence. We have raised those concerns directly with the Israeli Government, and we have heard from the Israeli Government that they are going to make a commitment on dealing with extremist violence more effectively. And that’s something that we’re going to continue to pay close attention to. But as to your specific – this specific report, I’m not tracking.

QUESTION: Thank you. I have a couple questions, if you don’t mind.

QUESTION: The New York Times first reported that U.S. officials have sent messages to Iran and Hizballah to say that the U.S. would be prepared to intervene militarily against them if they launched attacks against Israel. Can you confirm on this report, especially that Iraqi prime minister visited Tehran after hours of the Secretary’s visit to Baghdad?

MR PATEL: So I’m not going to speak to – first, I would say any notion that a message has been sent is categorically false. That is not true. But from the day one of this administration, Michel, we have been clear-eyed about the many threats that are posed by Iran, and since these October 7th attacks – and even prior to that – we have used a combination of deterrence, pressure, and diplomacy to continue to counter Iran’s destabilizing activities. And we continue to be clear-eyed about that and will take appropriate steps in the region as we need to.

QUESTION: And second, what’s your assessment for Hizballah secretary general speech? And do you take his threats seriously?

MR PATEL: We’re aware of his speech on Friday, and I’m certainly not going to engage in a war of words from up here. Look, we’ve been clear about this, that the U.S. does not seek to escalate or widen the conflict that Hamas has started against Israel. We and our partners have been very clear, and the Secretary has been clear about this message on his travels. Hizballah and other actors should not try and take advantage of the ongoing conflict. We don’t want to see this conflict expand into Lebanon or across the broader region. The likely devastation for the Lebanese people would be unimaginable and entirely unavoidable.

QUESTION: And do you take his threats seriously?

MR PATEL: We take, of course, any threat against the region seriously. It’s why the United States has reacted in the way that it has, ensuring that we’re taking steps to protect our personnel and our partners in the region. You’ve seen the Pentagon make a number of announcements about the assets that they have moved into the region since October 7, and so would just refer you to them for anything additional.

QUESTION: And my final question is —

QUESTION: (Off-mike.)

MR PATEL: I’ll come back to you. Let Michel finish. Go ahead.

QUESTION: Are you still concerned that the conflict may expand to the region?

MR PATEL: It is something that we’re continuing to pay close attention to and it’s something that we are warning any country in the region, as well as partner countries, to take whatever steps they can to ensure that this does not spread.

QUESTION: Thank you.

QUESTION: The public is wondering why U.S., United States, still refusing ceasefire. More than 4,000 children killed in Gaza. Israel still, till now, targeting bakeries, school, hospitals, under the umbrella of self-defense, which is – they consider it is insulting their intelligence, you know?

MR PATEL: So —

QUESTION: And I need another question, please.

MR PATEL: Okay.

QUESTION: It is about the Israeli minister who talk about dropping nuclear bomb on Gaza.

MR PATEL: Okay. I’m happy to answer those – both of those. First, we have been very clear about this. A ceasefire right now would prevent – would not prevent Hamas from continuing terror attacks and firing rocket attacks at Israel in the future. And on the contrary, it would let Hamas off the hook, allow Hamas enough time to regroup, and we can’t allow that. And no nation can be expected to tolerate those kinds of conditions. But one thing we have been very clear about, both the Secretary and the President, have been the need for a humanitarian pause to enable a sustained flow of aid and voluntary movement of civilians seeking to depart. It would also allow an opportunity for the potential release of hostages, which continues to be something that we’re calling for directly.

Again, and then as it relates to your question about that minister, I’m sure you saw Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli Government have repudiated those comments, which we also found as wholly unacceptable. And we continue to believe that it is important for all sides of this conflict to refrain from hateful rhetoric that is going to further incite tensions.

QUESTION: Is it acceptable to destroy Gaza under the umbrella of self-defense?

MR PATEL: What we have been really clear about is that Israel has every right to defend itself and to defend its security, all while ensuring that Hamas is not able to conduct these kinds of terrorist attacks. Again, throughout all of that, we’ve also been incredibly clear that it is important for Israel to distinguish between Hamas terrorists and Palestinian civilians, and that continues to be something that we’re raising directly with our Israeli counterparts, and it’s something that we’ll continue to do so.

QUESTION: Thank you so much, Vedant. Nice to see you up here. The Bangladeshi people, they want a free and fair election. U.S.A., from this room, they declared the C-3 visa policy, and now ongoing vandalism and destruction of public properties by Bangladesh Nationalist Party activists on the pretext of exercising democratic rights in contributing to the – disrupt the peaceful political environment to upheld the next parliamentary election in Bangladesh. Will you ask nationalist party to stop the violence and participate the upcoming general election? And I have another one.

MR PATEL: We continue to closely monitor the electoral environment in Bangladesh leading up to this January’s election, and we take any incidents of violence incredibly seriously. We are engaging and will continue to engage with the government, with opposition parties, with civil society, and other stakeholders to urge them to work together for the benefit of the Bangladeshi people.

QUESTION: Thank you so much. And I’ll be – Peter Haas, the honorable ambassador, in a really difficult situation. Last week, when the nationalist party leaders, they bring an U.S. citizen to their head office on the camera to declare that he is the adviser of President Biden and he has everyday connection with 10 to 15 times with President Biden. And then the – another party leaders, BNP leader, has been telling, calling Peter Haas an avatar, as a rescuer for the nationalist party. Will you categorically deny this claim from the nationalist party, please? Thank you.

MR PATEL: I’ve not seen that report. And I’m going to be honest – I really have no idea what you’re talking about. So let me just say this —

QUESTION: Just to give you —

MR PATEL: Please don’t interrupt me. We have an incredibly talented team at our embassy in Dhaka, led by an experienced ambassador who is well-versed not just working in Bangladesh, but also the broader region largely. And as I have said, we are closely monitoring their electoral environment in Bangladesh, leading up to January’s election.

QUESTION: Thank you so much.

MR PATEL: Go ahead. Behind Shaun.

QUESTION: Vedant?

MR PATEL: No, no, sorry – in front of you.

QUESTION: Going back to Gaza —

QUESTION: — and the situation there. So the unequivocal support the U.S. is showing for Israeli self-defense, how does the U.S. plan to address the disproportionate responses and ensure that U.S. military aid does not exasperate the situation, the crisis in Gaza? And I also have a follow-up, which is about the humanitarian work. What are you doing? What steps are you taking to hold accountable all the parties who obstruct the delivery of humanitarian aid?

MR PATEL: Well, let me take your second question first. So first, as it relates to the Rafah Border Crossing, which continues to be a key conduit for the flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, the fact of the matter and the ultimate and unfortunate truth is that this is not a crossing that the United States controls. And so the tools at our disposal are to continue to work with the region, with our Israeli partners, with the Government of Egypt to ensure the flow of humanitarian aid is possible.

As I said at the beginning of this briefing, 476 trucks carrying humanitarian assistance have been able to enter [as of] November 6th. We know that is not enough. And one of the reasons – one of the things that the Secretary is discussing on his travels is ways in which the United States can continue to bolster its humanitarian aid and support the civilians in Gaza who needs some of this help. And that’s something that we’re going to continue to look at from all angles and pursue lines of effort in whatever way we can. Earlier last month, the President announced $100 million in additional funding to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza. We’ll continue to work those lines of effort as well.

And to your first question, again, I will reiterate that we have been clear with our Israeli partners that, while they defend themselves and defend their security, it is incredibly important that they distinguish between Hamas terrorists and Palestinian civilians. This is something that we will continue to raise with them directly and will continue to engage and conduct in the diplomacy that is required to make that clear. But again, it’s important to remember that no country would be able to condone the kind of terrorist attacks that were unleashed on Israel on October 7th, and it is of course – it is Israel’s responsibility to distinguish between Hamas terrorists and Palestinian civilians. And so we’ll continue to raise that directly with them.

QUESTION: Could I please just go back to this question of humanitarian pauses?

MR PATEL: Yeah. Yeah.

QUESTION: Because for all of the directness with which the United States has confronted the Israeli Government on this, the clear answer from Prime Minister Netanyahu over the weekend is that there will be no pauses unless and until Hamas releases all of the hostages. I’m assuming that’s not within the realm of possibility in the immediate term, but correct me if I’m wrong. And if it isn’t, isn’t that a pretty clear rejection of consistent and clear U.S. asks in the course of this conflict?

MR PATEL: I don’t think that these circumstances and these situations are black and white necessarily, Olivia. We will continue to raise publicly, privately, directly with our Israeli partners what we believe to be avenues to allow for humanitarian aid to get into Gaza to support the Palestinian civilians who need it. And, of course, Israel will continue to conduct and make assessments about this operation, as they are the ones doing so. But the President, the Secretary have been very clear that a humanitarian pause allows – is an opportunity to allow for the sustained flow of aid and the voluntary movement of civilians who may wish to choose to depart. This is something that the Secretary raised directly on his travels, and it’s something that we’ll continue to work at through our diplomacy.

QUESTION: Can you just clarify what Olivia just said on – what is a pause? I mean, is there, like, a legal definition for a pause? We know what a ceasefire is; there are legal grounds for that. What is a humanitarian pause? Is it like five hours, 10 hours? What is it, in your view?

MR PATEL: That is something that would need to be determined through this process. In our view – in our view, Said —

QUESTION: Is there a legal definition for a pause in the fighting?

MR PATEL: Said, I’m not going to assign a timetable or a —

QUESTION: No, I’m just curious. I just want to know.

MR PATEL: — or an assessment like that to it. What I will say, in our view, is that a humanitarian pause is an opportunity that will allow for the enabled flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, that will allow for the voluntary movement of civilians seeking to depart, and potentially create an opportunity and an avenue for the release of these civilian hostages who continue to be held and being detained by Hamas terrorists.

QUESTION: But respectfully on that point, so despite all of the public and private appeals by the U.S. to the Israeli Government, it appeals they’re going – it appears they’re going unheeded, right?

MR PATEL: Again, we’re not going to get into the specifics of our private diplomatic conversations. What I will just say is that this is something that we’re going to continue to raise directly with our Israeli partners, and oftentimes some of this diplomacy is best left behind the scenes.

QUESTION: Thank you, Vedant. I’ll follow up on the international law question.

QUESTION: Because on Saturday, an Israeli airstrike killed four children and three siblings of my colleague from Anadolu, Mohammad Al-Aloul. Their house was just completely destroyed when an Israeli airstrike targeted the al-Maghazi refugee camp. They were, of course, among the other – thousands of other Palestinians who were killed. You have been calling on Israel to act in line with international law and minimize harm to civilians, but does the U.S. – I mean, do you think that calls from the U.S. to Israel have been insufficient in terms of forcing Israel to act in line with international law?

MR PATEL: Again, I’m just not going to get into the specifics of these ongoing diplomatic conversations that are happening. We have been incredibly clear with our Israeli partners that civilians need to be protected, that they need to distinguish between Hamas terrorists and Palestinian civilians, and we believe that we will continue to raise that, and we’ll continue to raise that directly with our Israeli partners.

QUESTION: Yeah, you have been saying that for a while – like, civilians needs to be protected. But I think millions of people around the world are waiting for a clear answer from the U.S. to that question, because you have been giving an unconditioned support to Israel. The question is: Does the U.S. support Israel’s such actions, but – or are you concerned by them?

MR PATEL: We believe that Israel has every right to defend itself and to defend its security. We believe that what transpired on October 7th is not something that any country in the world would be able to accept, and it is incredibly imperative that steps are taken to ensure that Hamas can’t carry out these kinds of attacks again.

Simultaneously, we believe that even though Hamas uses civilians as shield, even though Hamas has integrated its network of tunnels and its infrastructure amongst civilian infrastructure in Gaza, that Hamas has collocated itself in some of these key civilian areas like schools, hospitals, et cetera – in spite of all that, we continue to believe that it is incredibly important for Israel to distinguish between Hamas terrorists and Palestinian civilians. And we’ll continue to raise that directly and clearly with our Israeli partners. The Secretary will do that, and others in the administration will do that, and we’ll continue to engage in this diplomacy.

Diyar, go ahead.

QUESTION: Yeah. Thank you, Vedant, and welcome back. Today the Iraqi prime minister was in Iran and he met with the Iranian supreme leader, and the Iranian supreme leader said that the Iraqi Government should put more pressure on the U.S. forces and also to the U.S. to make them make some ceasefire in the war between Hamas and Israel. And we learned that yesterday, that Secretary Blinken urged Iraqi Government to hold those groups accountable for attacking the U.S. forces and protect the U.S. bases there.

But since then, six attacks has happened on the U.S. forces in Iraq, in Kurdistan region, and in Syria. Do you think that the Iraqi Government is not holding those groups accountable? Do they have the ability to hold those groups accountable?

MR PATEL: We believe that the – we believe that the Government of Iraq does have the ability to hold those groups accountable, and we believe that that work is ongoing. The Secretary, as you said, urged Prime Minister Sudani to do that and that it was incredibly important to continue holding these groups who have been targeting U.S. personnel in Iraq accountable. They also talked about a number of other issues, including the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas as well as steps that can be taken to ensure that this conflict does not spread into Iraq as well.

QUESTION: And one more follow-up. Why you didn’t announce the Secretary’s visit to Iraq? That – were you concerned about any incidents happen during his visit to Iraq? And even when he visited the Iraqi Green Zone, he was wearing a bulletproof vest.

MR PATEL: I’m just not going to get into the security parameters that go into planning and announcing the Secretary’s travel.

Sam, go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you. President Lula of Brazil recently joined a growing list of world leaders condemning Israel not just simply for war crimes, not just simply for crimes against humanity, but for genocide. The late president of the Center for Constitutional Rights, Michael Ratner, during Israel’s 2014 assault on Gaza which killed 2,000 Palestinians, advocated that the Genocide Convention be invoked in that case against Israel, saying that legally, for genocide, quote, “You don’t need to kill all of them. You just need to have the mental intent to kill part of them.”

Craig Mokhiber, who just resigned as director of the New York office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, noted that intent, usually the hardest part of genocide to prove, isn’t in this case. He wrote in his resignation letter, quote, “Explicit statements of intent by leaders in the Israeli Government and military leave no room for doubt or debate.”

Finally, Francis Boyle, who successfully prosecuted – or who successfully represented Bosnia and Herzegovina in their genocide case against Yugoslavia before the International Court of Justice, has similarly argued that the Palestinians or any other signer to the Genocide Convention should immediately instigate a – initiate a emergency legal process invoking the convention at the International Court of Justice, yet no government has done so.

My question to you —

MR PATEL: Do you have a question soon?

QUESTION: My question to you is: Has the U.S. Government pressured or bribed or threatened in any way, shape, or form Abbas, the people around him, institutions around him, from invoking this or any other legal mechanisms against Israel to stop its attack?

MR PATEL: I don’t even know where to start there, Sam. No, the U.S. has not been involved in pressuring or anything like that to any officials within the Palestinian Authority. What I will just say again in the context of this conflict: We have been incredibly clear that as Israel defends itself and defends its security that it is imperative that it continues to make a distinction between Hamas terrorists and Palestinian civilians, and that’s something we’ll continue to raise directly with Israeli counterparts.

I will also note that we, within the U.S. Government, have a rigorous process for evaluating whether something constitutes genocide, and we have not made that assessment in this case. And it’s really important to remember that Hamas bears responsibility for sparking this war and they brought this tragic war to Gaza. They have compounded and perpetuated the suffering of the Palestinian people at every step of this crisis. And as I said, we continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself against these terrorist attacks by Hamas.

QUESTION: You claim – excuse me. You claim that you want Israel to make a distinction, but you don’t seem to be taking this – making the distinction.

MR PATEL: We absolutely make this distinction, Sam.

QUESTION: If I might – I didn’t interrupt you. I didn’t interrupt you. The Center for Constitutional Rights just put out a statement: “Legal Organizations Put Members of Congress on Notice [for] Complicity on Genocide.” Quote: “Please take [note]” – this is a letter that they sent to members of Congress. Center for Constitutional Rights: “Please take notice that should you vote in favor of that package,” the Biden package for Israel, “you risk facing criminal and civil [liabilities] for aiding and abetting genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law, and may face investigation and prosecution.” Do members of the State Department face similar possibilities?

MR PATEL: Again, Sam, as I said, we have – the U.S. Government has a rigorous process in place for evaluating whether something constitutes genocide, and we have not made that assessment in this case.

QUESTION: But you continue to pretend —

MR PATEL: I’m going to – I’ve taken —

QUESTION: — that the bombing of hospital after hospital, bakery after bakery, university after university – and somehow you keep pretending that, oh, they’re just after military people of Hamas.

MR PATEL: I appreciate – I appreciate your questions, Sam. I’ve taken two of them. Now I’m going to work the room a little bit.

QUESTION: Thank you, Vedant. Countrywide protests going on in Bangladesh. They’re demanding the resignation of the ruling prime minister, and the regime is in a sense declare war against the main opposition, BNP and protestors. Over 8,000 people have been detained, including BNP secretary general and all rank and file. At least 11 people killed since protests began on October 28. Ruling Prime Minister Hasina instructed her party members to throw opposition party members into fire or burn their hands. As the United States and the international community in Bangladesh are committed to creating a peaceful and credible environment for upcoming elections, for creating that environment, will you be with the people of Bangladesh and reflect their will under a new caretaker government?

MR PATEL: So it’s important to remember – and you’ve heard me say this a number of times before, including in answering your friend’s question – that the U.S. does not support any political party in Bangladesh. We don’t favor any one political party over the other. Right now our focus continues to be closely monitoring the electoral environment in Bangladesh leading up to January’s election, engaging appropriately with the government, with opposition leaders, with civil society and other stakeholders to urge them to work together for the benefit of the Bangladeshi people.

Go ahead. And I’ll come back to you, Shaun, after that. Then we’ll wrap.

QUESTION: Thank you. You just spoke in detail about the current Travel Advisory and the reasons, but we are witnessing a lot of hate and anger all around the world not only for Israel but also for United States of America, for the obvious reasons. But is it a concern?

MR PATEL: I’m sorry, is – for people traveling to the United States?

QUESTION: No, no, no. I’m asking there is – we are witnessing a lot of hate and anger —

MR PATEL: Ah.

QUESTION: — not only for Israel but also for United States because of the situation in Gaza. Is it a concern that there’s growing hate?

MR PATEL: What I will just say is that first and foremost, of course, we respect, encourage, and appreciate people’s ability to exercise their First Amendment rights for the – for the freedom of speech, the freedom to assemble, and things of that nature. We of course, though, take issue with any of those demonstrations turning violent that put people in harm’s way. And specifically as it relates to Travel Advisories to any of the countries that exist, we’ll continue to make adjustments and update our Travel Advisories as conditions in countries potentially change.

Shaun, go ahead.

QUESTION: Sir, election commission of Pakistan – one more question, please.

QUESTION: Election commission of Pakistan finally announced the date for the general elections. You always talked about the free and fair elections in Pakistan and all around the world. But many analysts in Pakistan have their doubts because these elections are happening without the most popular leader, former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Any thoughts about that?

MR PATEL: Again, don’t have an assessment on the makeup of candidates or the representation of any specific political party. That is for the people of Pakistan to decide. Our focus continues to be on ensuring and supporting that there are free and fair elections that are conducted in a way for the benefit of the Pakistani people.

QUESTION: Can you say anything about U.S.-China nuclear talks, which I think China has already spoken about it publicly, but apparently was to happen in the building soon?

MR PATEL: Yeah, sure. Thanks for your question, Shaun. So this – I would view this as a little bit of a follow-on. When Director and Foreign Minister Wang Yi was in Washington, D.C., we talked a little bit about additional bilateral consultations that may take with the PRC in the days, weeks, months ahead. And these meetings are part of those ongoing efforts to maintain an open line of communication with the PRC on a full range of issues.

So assistant secretary for the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability [1] Mallory Stewart and an interagency team from the U.S. Government is hosting PRC Director General Sun Xiaobo at the department today. We have continually called on the PRC to substantively engage on arms control issues and reducing strategic risk, and this engagement will continue efforts to responsibly manage the relationship and ensure competition does not veer into conflict.

And I – we’ll have more to share on the contents of that meeting once it’s concluded.

QUESTION: Could I just ask briefly —

QUESTION: — does this relate at all to New START and the ideas of perhaps bringing China into New START?

MR PATEL: I would not go as – so far to necessarily to say that, but I think we’ll have more to share after the meeting has concluded.

QUESTION: And if I could just follow up on one other U.S.-China thing?

MR PATEL: Yeah, sure.

QUESTION: John Kerry meeting his counterpart, Xie, in Sunnylands. Can you just say whether the meeting’s still underway, and is there any assessment, again, that you can say about that?

MR PATEL: My understanding is that the meeting is still underway, and so I think we’ll have more to share at the conclusion of that. But Shaun, I would just again say that in the follow-on of Secretary Blinken’s trip to Beijing in June we spoke about how there would be continued exchanges at these various levels bilaterally between senior officials from our government and senior officials from the PRC. This is just another example of that, and we expect that to continue.

QUESTION: Hi, Vedant. Thank you. Could you speak a little more about what channels of cooperation you’d like U.S. and China to engage and talk more about?

MR PATEL: Well we have long said, and this is nothing new to anybody in this room, that there continue to be a number of areas in which we believe that there is opportunity for cooperation between the United States and the PRC. Examples that you’ve heard us talk about, to use Special Envoy Kerry for an example, is of course the climate arena. As two of the world’s largest emitters, it’s incredibly important that we cooperate with the PRC in order to address the climate crisis that’s facing the world. Another area you’ve heard many in this department talk about is addressing the fentanyl precursors and the role that fentanyl has played in our country. We believe that the PRC has a role that they can play there.

But beyond that, this kind of cooperation is what the international community expects from the United States and the PRC as two major powers.

QUESTION: One more, if I may?

MR PATEL: Okay, go ahead.

QUESTION: So Secretary Blinken will attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Japan the 7th and the 8th. What can you tell us about the expected statement on Israel and Gaza, particularly as Japan refrained from the initial G7 statement in support of Israel? And in particular, what role do you envision Japan playing?

MR PATEL: So I’m not going to get ahead of the Secretary’s trip. I know he will be there soon enough and will have lots to talk about with his foreign minister counterparts. I fully anticipate that the war between Israel and Hamas will be something that is talked about, but I’m just not going to get ahead of that.

And then – final question. Go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you. Secretary Blinken visited Cyprus, where he met with President Christodoulides? How do you see Cyprus’s proposal for delivering aid to Gaza through a maritime corridor?

And second question: 45 members of Congress in a letter to Secretary Blinken asking him to pressure Türkiye to cut ties with Hamas. Did the Secretary raise this – the Hamas issue during his meetings with Mr. Fidan?

MR PATEL: So we have been very clear to any country that it can no longer be business as usual with Hamas, and we have been – the Secretary has been clear about that in all of his engagements.

And on your first question, I’ve not seen that specific report, but we take our responsibility seriously about ensuring the access of humanitarian aid and make sure that that flow continues into Gaza. And so we’ll continue to work at that.

All right. Thanks, everybody.

(The briefing was concluded at 2:16 p.m.)

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U.S. Department of State

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