Official announcements from the Israeli government or Hamas, or credible news sources like The Times of Israel

Trump Envoy Steve Witkoff Influences Netanyahu to Secure Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Release by January 20

Jan 15, 2025, 05:45 PM

Steve Witkoff, President-elect Donald Trump's special envoy for Middle Eastern affairs, played a pivotal role in securing a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. Witkoff held a tense meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, urging him to accept necessary compromises to finalize the agreement by January 20. According to two Arab officials cited by The Times of Israel, Witkoff's influence during this meeting was more effective than the efforts of the Biden administration throughout the year. The pressure from Witkoff and the anticipation of Trump's inauguration on January 20 were credited with moving the negotiations forward, resulting in an agreement in principle between Israel and Hamas. The deal, which is expected to be finalized soon, includes a six-week ceasefire and the release of hostages.