US Envoy Inspects Aid Distribution in Rafah Amid Intensified Israeli Reinforcements
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived today, Friday, August 1, at a humanitarian aid distribution center in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, accompanied by the US Ambassador in Tel Aviv, amidst heavy Israeli security deployment including tanks and military vehicles in the central and southern areas of the Strip.
Al-Arabiya/Al-Hadath reported that Israeli reinforcements were concentrated around the Netzarim axis and the Shakoush area in the Khan Yunis region, where aid is distributed through centers managed by US-supported organizations, including the "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation."
Witkoff's visit comes at a time when international pressure is mounting on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government due to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and restrictions on aid access. A global hunger monitoring observatory warned of an imminent famine threat.
The US envoy had met with Netanyahu on Thursday in an attempt to revive ceasefire negotiations and address the humanitarian crisis. An Israeli official briefed on the meeting confirmed the parties' emphasis on "the need to transition from a plan to release some hostages to a comprehensive deal that includes releasing all detainees, disarming Hamas, and transforming Gaza into a demilitarized zone," without disclosing the plan details.
Meanwhile, the White House announced that Witkoff would head to Gaza to assess food aid distribution operations and field team performance, in preparation for a "final plan to expedite supply entry." White House spokesperson Carolyne Levitt told journalists, "They will present a final plan for approval immediately after the visit to ensure the flow of food and aid."
Upon Witkoff's arrival in Israel, US President Donald Trump commented on the Truth Social platform saying, "The quickest way to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is for Hamas to surrender and release the hostages!!" Trump described the situation in the sector as "horrific" on Thursday, adding, "People are suffering from severe hunger," referring to the US aid provided.
In a related context, indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha have been suspended since last week, with mutual accusations of responsibility for the deadlock, especially regarding Israeli withdrawal lines. A reliable source revealed that Israel responded on Wednesday to Hamas' recent amendments to the US proposal calling for a 60-day ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
Hamas is facing increasing pressure in Gaza to reach an agreement, while still holding about 50 hostages, with an estimated 20 believed to be alive. There has been no official comment from the movement so far.
