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Trump's Envoy Steve Witkoff Meets Qatar's PM and Netanyahu to Push for Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Deal

Jan 11, 2025, 12:33 PM

Steve Witkoff, the incoming US envoy to the Middle East appointed by President-elect Donald Trump, has been actively engaged in negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. Witkoff met with Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani in Doha on Friday to discuss the ongoing efforts. Following these discussions, Witkoff arrived in Israel on Saturday to continue pushing for an agreement before Trump's inauguration on January 20. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with Witkoff later on Saturday to discuss the progress of the negotiations. There has been reported advancement in the talks, with 90% of the points negotiated already agreed upon, though disagreements persist regarding the transition from the first phase of the deal, which involves a humanitarian exchange of hostages, to the second phase. The Israeli government is considering sending the heads of Mossad and Shin Bet to Doha to further the negotiations, with a decision expected soon.