US Envoy Offers Gaza War-End Plan Amid Hostage Fears
Families plead for action as captive survival dwindles
U.S. Middle East envoy **Steve Witkoff** met with families of Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv, presenting a plan to effectively end the Gaza war. The visit comes as fears for the captives’ survival intensify nearly 22 months into the conflict.
Hope for Reconstruction, End to Hostilities
During a meeting with families, **Witkoff** revealed a collaborative effort with the Israeli government. “We have a very, very good plan that we’re working on collectively with the Israeli government, with Prime Minister **Netanyahu** … for the reconstruction of Gaza. That effectively means the end of the war,” he stated, as heard in a recording reviewed by Reuters.
**Witkoff** also indicated that Hamas was amenable to disarming to achieve peace. However, the militant group has maintained its stance, asserting it would only relinquish “armed resistance” upon the establishment of a fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Desperate Pleas Amid Mounting Crisis
The urgency of the situation was underscored by a recent Hamas video showing hostage **Evyatar David**, appearing emaciated, digging what he described as his own grave. His brother, **Ilay**, voiced the dire circumstances at a Tel Aviv rally: “They are on the absolute brink of death.”
Israeli Foreign Minister **Gideon Sa’ar** condemned the treatment of hostages, stating, “The world cannot remain silent in the face of the difficult images that are the result of deliberate sadistic abuse of the hostages, which also includes starvation.”
The war, sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, has seen over 1,200 Israelis killed and 251 taken hostage. Gaza health officials report over 60,000 Palestinian fatalities in Israel’s subsequent offensive. Currently, only 50 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, with just 20 thought to be alive, according to Israeli officials.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza
On Friday, **Witkoff** visited a U.S.-backed aid operation in southern Gaza, aiming to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies. The United Nations has highlighted the dire conditions, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting seven additional fatalities from malnutrition since Friday, including a child.
Israel attributes the suffering to Hamas, asserting it is taking measures to increase aid, including daily pauses in fighting and air drops. However, U.N. agencies maintain that these efforts are insufficient, calling for increased land aid and eased access.
International efforts toward a two-state solution have gained momentum, with Qatar and Egypt endorsing a French and Saudi declaration. This includes Hamas handing over arms to the Palestinian Authority. The growing humanitarian crisis has also prompted several Western nations to consider recognizing a Palestinian state.
The deadlock in indirect negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal persisted last week, leaving thousands of Israelis still anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones. The ongoing conflict continues to exact a devastating toll on both populations.