WASHINGTON, D.C.: US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is travelling to the Middle East in a renewed diplomatic effort by the Biden administration to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and establish a humanitarian corridor into Gaza. The 21-month-long conflict has left the region in deep crisis, with dire consequences for civilians, particularly those struggling to access food and medical aid.
Announcing the visit on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Witkoff is carrying “a strong hope” of helping to finalise a ceasefire agreement and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
“I would suggest that we might have some good news on the horizon — but as always, the situation remains fluid,” Bruce told reporters. She did not disclose specific details about Witkoff’s itinerary or scheduled meetings.
The announcement comes amid escalating international outrage following one of the deadliest days in Gaza in recent months. At least 85 Palestinians were reportedly killed on Sunday while attempting to reach food aid. While the Israeli military claimed it fired only warning shots and accused media of inflating the numbers, the UN’s World Food Programme stated that Israeli forces fired directly into the crowd.
Bruce called the incident at the Zikim crossing “absolutely horrible” and said it underscored the urgent need for a humanitarian corridor to be included in any ceasefire framework.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have been underway in Qatar for several weeks. The United States has put forward a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire under which Hamas would release some hostages, Israel would release Palestinian prisoners, and humanitarian aid would flow more freely into Gaza. Talks on a broader and more permanent peace settlement would take place during this temporary truce.
However, both sides remain entrenched. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that military operations will continue until Hamas is fully dismantled. On the other hand, Hamas refuses to release all hostages unless a permanent end to the war is guaranteed. They also want assurance that Israel will not resume strikes after the 60-day period, as it did following a previous temporary ceasefire in March.
The coming days will be critical as Witkoff and US diplomats work to bridge the widening gap and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.
