US Envoy in Israel for Gaza Ceasefire Talks

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Mike Huckabee have arrived in Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aiming to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas. They plan to visit Gaza to inspect aid operations amid ongoing reports of mass starvation and recent deadly incidents, including at least 91 Palestinians killed and over 600 wounded while seeking food. Ceasefire negotiations remain deadlocked, with Israel and Hamas blaming each other, while international pressure for greater food aid and recognition of a Palestinian state grows—most recently with Canada joining that call. The U.S. has imposed new sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials, revoking visas in response to shifting diplomatic dynamics. Aid agencies describe the situation in Gaza as reaching 'astonishing levels of desperation.' President Trump and his team emphasize that a resolution depends on Hamas releasing hostages and surrendering, in line with continued U.S. support for Israel's security.