US Envoy Eyes Europe, Doha Amid Gaza Ceasefire Push

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is preparing to travel to Europe and possibly Doha this week as part of renewed diplomatic efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The U.S.-backed proposal includes a 60-day truce, the release of some hostages by Hamas, the freeing of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, and the expansion of humanitarian aid, with the aim of launching permanent peace talks. Witkoff's attendance in Doha will depend on sufficient progress in negotiations, which remain stalled over issues such as IDF redeployment in Gaza and security guarantees. Recent violence, including the death of at least 85 Palestinians seeking aid, has heightened urgency for a new humanitarian corridor. Qatar and Egypt continue to mediate indirect talks, but both sides remain entrenched in their demands. Meanwhile, reports of Israeli sabotage inside Iran and ongoing humanitarian crises highlight the broader regional instability.