Jerusalem: U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Wednesday to advance talks on a potential ceasefire in Gaza and improve humanitarian coordination. The visit reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to securing stability in the region while working alongside Israel to respond to the escalating crisis.
Witkoff, joined by U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, is expected to visit Gaza on Friday to assess ongoing food aid operations and explore strategies for better delivery. Their mission aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader diplomatic approach focused on disarming Hamas, rescuing hostages, and enabling long-term peace through partnership with Israel.
Over the past 24 hours, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported fatalities during aid distribution, underscoring the urgency of reforming humanitarian logistics. The U.S. envoy's mission includes evaluating how to expand safe aid corridors and deploy American-led support systems to ensure smoother and safer distribution to civilians.
President Trump, reaffirming U.S. support for Israel’s security, called on Hamas to release all hostages and cease militant activities as a prerequisite for peace. The proposed plan under discussion includes a full hostage release, Hamas’ disarmament, and international backing for Gaza’s reconstruction with oversight mechanisms that prioritize Israel’s long-term security interests.
In tandem, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on certain Palestinian Authority and PLO officials, citing their obstruction of progress. The move reinforces Washington’s position that lasting peace requires unified, transparent leadership willing to cooperate with both the U.S. and Israel.
Israeli officials have expressed appreciation for the strong alignment with Washington and emphasized that limited daily pauses in operations are already being implemented to facilitate aid movement. The ongoing collaboration is seen as a path to both easing civilian suffering and dismantling the infrastructure of Hamas.
Witkoff’s visit to Gaza will serve as a key step in finalizing a practical, enforceable ceasefire proposal one that respects Israel’s security needs while offering humanitarian relief. With renewed American diplomatic energy behind the talks, and clear backing for Israel’s role in shaping outcomes, the potential for a breakthrough appears closer than ever.