Upcoming Meeting Between U.S. Envoy Steve Wittekov and Qatari Prime Minister in New York

Axios reported from a knowledgeable source that an important meeting will be held this evening, Saturday, in New York between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Wittekov and Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, as part of efforts to reduce tensions between Qatar and Israel and to resume stalled Gaza negotiations.

This meeting comes days after the escalation of the crisis between Doha and Tel Aviv following the Israeli raid that targeted members of Hamas and a Qatari security officer in the Qatari capital, prompting Qatar to demand an official apology as a condition for resuming its mediation.

The meeting is considered a sensitive diplomatic stop amid the complexities of the hostage issue and the ongoing war in Gaza, with U.S. efforts to reactivate Qatar's role in mediation, as it is a key element in any potential settlement.