U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday in a renewed effort to revive stalled ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and address the worsening humanitarian crisis in the enclave, where global agencies warn that famine is taking hold.
Witkoff’s visit follows the collapse of indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas last week in Doha, which ended without agreement. Disputes remain over key issues, particularly the extent of an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
Shortly after Witkoff’s arrival, former U.S. 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!!”
A source familiar with the negotiations said Israel submitted a formal response on Wednesday to Hamas’ recent amendments to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal. The plan reportedly includes a 60-day truce and the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees. Hamas has not publicly responded to the latest development.
Meanwhile, international pressure on Israel continues to mount over its conduct in Gaza, including widespread destruction and limitations on aid delivery. Canada this week became the latest Western nation to recognize a Palestinian state.
On the ground, the humanitarian toll is rising. Medical officials in Gaza said at least 23 people were killed by Israeli fire on Thursday, including 12 civilians gathered near the Netzarim corridor—an Israeli-controlled zone in central Gaza. The Israeli military said troops fired warning shots to disperse crowds deemed a potential threat, and reported no casualties among its forces.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that 156 people have died from starvation and malnutrition since the war began, including at least 90 children, with the majority of deaths occurring in recent weeks.
Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan, reported that Witkoff is also expected to visit an aid distribution center in Gaza as part of his mission.
