Tel Aviv (TDI): US special envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday in a renewed push to resuscitate stalled truce negotiations and address the deepening humanitarian emergency in Gaza, where a global monitor has warned of an unfolding famine.
Witkoff’s visit came as President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, “The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!”
In a move likely to further strain US-Palestinian relations, the State Department announced visa sanctions on select Palestinian Authority (PA) and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) officials, accusing them of impeding peace efforts. While the individuals were not named, the penalties include travel bans to the United States.
The PA and PLO, seen internationally as the formal representatives of the Palestinian people, have not commented. The timing of the US announcement appears to reinforce Washington’s growing alignment with Israel, even as European allies such as France, the UK, and Canada signal readiness to recognize an independent Palestinian state.
Read More: Israel Mulls Annexing Parts of Gaza Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks
Witkoff’s trip coincides with mounting pressure on Netanyahu’s government over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and the slow pace of aid.
According to the White House, Witkoff is scheduled to visit Gaza on Friday to oversee aid delivery and finalize a plan for food and medicine distribution.
“The special envoy and ambassador will brief President Trump immediately after their visit,” said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, adding that approval of the final plan would follow.
Meanwhile, indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas held in Doha last week collapsed, with both parties blaming the other for the deadlock. A key stumbling block remains the scope of Israel’s military withdrawal from Gaza.
Read More: Germany Issues Stern Warning Over Israeli Annexation Threats in Palestinian Territories
Moreover, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Justice Minister Yariv Levin on Thursday endorsed annexing the occupied West Bank, writing in a joint statement, “This is a moment of opportunity that must not be missed.”
Palestinian leaders condemned the remarks, saying annexation would effectively destroy the possibility of a two-state solution and collapse any remaining peace prospects.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
