US Envoy Hints at Gaza War End Plan

Hostages’ Families Briefed Amid Escalating Crisis

A top US envoy has informed families of hostages held by Hamas that a comprehensive plan is being developed with the Israeli government, potentially signaling an end to the Gaza conflict.

New Reconstruction Strategy Unveiled

Steve Witkoff, the US Special Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, stated on Saturday that the administration is collaborating with Israel on a significant initiative. This plan aims for the reconstruction of Gaza, which he suggested would effectively conclude the ongoing hostilities.

“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.”

—Steve Witkoff, US Special Envoy

Witkoff‘s remarks come as Israel faces intense international pressure regarding the dire humanitarian situation within the Gaza Strip. The White House has not yet provided an immediate comment on the envoy’s statements.

Hamas Stance and Hostage Plight

Witkoff also indicated that Hamas might be amenable to disarming, a claim that contrasts with the group’s public statements. Hamas has consistently asserted that it will not relinquish its weapons unless an independent Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital, is established.

Last week saw a breakdown in indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel concerning a 60-day ceasefire and a hostage release deal. The situation for hostages remains critical, as evidenced by a recent video from Hamas showing Evyatar David, who appeared severely emaciated, digging what he described as his own grave.

Speaking at a rally in Tel Aviv, Evyatar David‘s brother, Ilay, expressed grave concern: “In the current unimaginable condition, they may have only days left to live.”

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.”

Global Efforts and Gaza’s Devastation

Witkoff‘s visit coincides with widespread global condemnation of the devastation in Gaza and growing malnutrition among its population. Following his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, an Israeli official suggested a growing consensus between Israel and Washington to shift from a partial hostage release to a comprehensive plan that includes disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza.

Mediators Qatar and Egypt, alongside France and Saudi Arabia, have supported a framework for a two-state solution. This framework requires Hamas to surrender its arms to the Palestinian Authority.

The escalating crisis in Gaza has prompted several Western nations to consider recognizing a Palestinian state. This development comes amid dire reports from the enclave, where dozens have reportedly died from malnutrition after Israel restricted aid supplies for nearly three months earlier in the year, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

Recent statistics from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicate that only 20% of Gaza’s pre-war nutritional needs are being met, contributing to widespread food insecurity (OCHA, July 2025).

The conflict, initiated by Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken, has led to over 60,000 Palestinian casualties, as reported by Gaza health officials. Currently, an estimated 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with only about 20 believed to be alive.