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U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, revealed during a meeting with families of hostages in Israel that Washington is working with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a plan to end the Gaza war and rebuild the enclave. The plan reportedly includes provisions for Hamas to disarm, a condition the militant group has so far rejected, insisting on an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
The conflict, which erupted after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages, has left Gaza devastated. Israeli strikes have killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, with the United Nations warning of mass starvation. Aid groups report dozens dying from malnutrition as Israel’s blockade has restricted supplies, though limited airdrops and protected aid routes have recently resumed.
Negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt for a 60-day ceasefire and partial hostage release collapsed last week. Witkoff’s comments suggest a shift toward a broader agreement that includes full hostage release, Gaza demilitarization, and reconstruction efforts backed by the U.S. and Israel.
Tensions heightened after Hamas released a second video of Israeli hostage Evyatar David, showing him emaciated and digging what he described as his own grave. Families of the remaining 50 hostages, 20 believed alive, rallied in Tel Aviv demanding urgent action. Israeli officials have condemned Hamas’ treatment of captives as “sadistic abuse.”
The crisis has renewed international calls for a two-state solution. France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt have endorsed a roadmap requiring Hamas to hand over weapons to the Palestinian Authority, while several Western nations signal potential recognition of a Palestinian state to advance peace talks.
This evolving situation underscores rising global pressure for an immediate resolution.
