By Enyichukwu Enemanna
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reactivate stalled Gaza ceasefire talks and address the worsening humanitarian crisis in the enclave, where global monitors warn famine is unfolding.
Shortly after Witkoff’s arrival, President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform: “The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!”
Last week, indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha ended in deadlock, with both sides blaming each other and disagreements persisting over key issues, including the scale of an Israeli military withdrawal.
Witkoff’s visit comes as Israel faces growing international pressure over Gaza’s widespread destruction and restrictions on aid delivery. Canada became the latest Western country to announce recognition of a Palestinian state.
According to a source familiar with the negotiations, Israel sent a response on Wednesday to Hamas’ recent amendments to a US ceasefire proposal. The plan involves a 60-day ceasefire and the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas has yet to comment. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have suggested that if the deadlock continues, Israel could declare intentions to annex parts of Gaza.
Medical officials in Gaza reported at least 23 people killed by Israeli fire across the enclave, including 12 among crowds gathering for aid near the Netzarim corridor, a zone held by Israeli troops in central Gaza. The Israeli military stated its forces fired warning shots to disperse crowds posing a threat, with no casualties confirmed on their side.
Since the conflict began, Gaza’s health ministry has recorded 156 deaths due to starvation and malnutrition, most occurring in recent weeks and including at least 90 children.
Israel’s Public Broadcaster Kan reported that Witkoff is also expected to visit an aid distribution centre in Gaza.
