Trump’s envoy meets Netanyahu to push Gaza aid, ceasefire efforts

On July 31, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of efforts to revive ceasefire negotiations and address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

The enclave faces a deepening famine, with international monitors warning of an unfolding catastrophe, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Shortly after Witkoff’s arrival, U.S. President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform, stating: “The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!”

Indirect ceasefire discussions between Israel and Hamas in Doha collapsed last week, with both sides blaming each other for the deadlock. Key issues, such as the scale of Israeli military withdrawal, remain unresolved.

Witkoff’s visit comes amid increasing global pressure on Israel due to widespread destruction in Gaza and severe restrictions on aid delivery. Canada recently became the latest Western nation to announce its intention to recognise a Palestinian state, intensifying diplomatic tensions.

A source familiar with the situation said Israel responded on July 30 to Hamas’s proposed amendments to a U.S. ceasefire offer that includes a 60-day truce and the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has yet to comment publicly.

Amid the stalemate, Israeli officials have hinted that Israel may proceed with annexing parts of Gaza if negotiations fail to progress.

Medical authorities in Gaza reported that Israeli fire killed at least 23 people across the territory, including 12 among crowds gathered for aid near the Israeli-controlled Netzarim corridor. The Israeli military said its forces fired warning shots to disperse dangerous crowds, denying that any casualties resulted from the action.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, Gaza’s health ministry has documented 156 deaths due to starvation and malnutrition, mostly occurring in recent weeks, including at least 90 children.

Israel’s public broadcaster Kan said Witkoff would also visit an aid distribution site in Gaza.

Faced with mounting international outrage over images of starving children, Israel announced on July 27 a 10-hour daily halt to military operations in parts of Gaza, designating safe corridors for aid convoys carrying food and medicine.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that despite increased aid deliveries during these pauses, the volume remains “still far from enough.”

Even as aid enters Gaza, residents face threats from Israeli forces and Palestinian looters when attempting to access supplies. One resident of Deir Al-Balah recounted to Reuters: “I have tried several times to grab a sack of flour. The only time I managed to do so, someone with a knife froze me in the street and took it away, threatening to stab me.”

With Palestinian deaths in nearly two years of conflict surpassing 60,000 this week, pressure on Hamas to agree to a ceasefire is mounting.

“We can save thousands of lives and maybe the war wouldn’t resume,” said Rami, a Gaza City resident, via chat app.

Meanwhile, mothers of hostages protested outside Netanyahu’s office, demanding an end to the conflict.

“End this nightmare,” said Yael Engel-Lichi, whose nephew was taken hostage and later freed during a previous ceasefire. Of the 50 hostages currently held by militants in Gaza, about 20 are believed to still be alive.

Netanyahu, whose government includes far-right parties advocating for the conquest of Gaza and the re-establishment of Jewish settlements, has made clear he will not end the war until Hamas relinquishes control of Gaza and disarms.

Hamas has refused calls to disarm.

Qatar and Egypt, mediators in the ceasefire talks, supported a recent declaration by France and Saudi Arabia outlining steps toward a two-state solution. The declaration demands Hamas “must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority,” which controls parts of the West Bank and is a political rival to Hamas.

Israel has rejected the prospect of the Palestinian Authority taking control of Gaza. On July 31, Defence Minister Israel Katz and Justice Minister Yariv Levin expressed support for annexing the West Bank, territory Palestinians seek for statehood.

Israel condemned recent moves by France, Britain, and Canada to recognise a Palestinian state, viewing them as rewarding Hamas for its October 7, 2023, assault that killed 1,200 people and led to the hostage crisis.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, visiting Israel, stressed the need to begin negotiations on a two-state solution, adding that Germany would only recognise a Palestinian state after the process concludes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev