Trump's Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff to Visit Gaza to Maintain Ceasefire and Hostages Release

Jan 19, 2025, 12:18 AM

Steve Witkoff, President-elect Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East, is considering a visit to the Gaza Strip as part of his efforts to maintain a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Witkoff, a billionaire Jewish-American real estate developer and a close friend of Trump, played a key role in negotiating the ceasefire, which is set to begin on Sunday. The agreement aims to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinians detained by Israel over a six-week period. Witkoff's approach has been noted for its directness, as he reportedly pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize the deal, even on the Jewish Sabbath. His involvement underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire, with plans to be a near-constant presence in the region to address any issues that could jeopardize the agreement.