US Envoy Presses Israel on Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is visiting Israel this week to assess the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where international agencies report widespread starvation and malnutrition. President Trump has publicly acknowledged the severity of the crisis and called for increased US efforts to deliver aid and set up food centers, diverging from Prime Minister Netanyahu's denials. Witkoff’s trip, his first since May, follows failed ceasefire talks with Hamas and comes as France and the UK threaten to recognize Palestinian statehood if humanitarian conditions do not improve. He is expected to meet Israeli officials, possibly visit aid distribution sites, and participate in discussions with Egypt and Qatar to advance ceasefire and hostage release negotiations. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 60,000, with over 30% reportedly children, intensifying calls for international intervention. Despite Israel's claims that sufficient aid is being delivered, aid groups and the UN warn that famine is already occurring.