Witkoff to Israel to meet Netanyahu and expectations of visiting Gaza

White House envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Israel today to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as reported by Axios citing informed American officials and also confirmed by Israeli media.

This is Witkoff's first visit to Israel in months and comes amid a stalemate in the Gaza ceasefire and talks on prisoners and the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the region.

An American official said that Witkoff may also travel to Gaza and visit aid centers affiliated with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, explaining that President Donald Trump "wants to know more about the humanitarian situation in Gaza to understand how to provide more assistance to civilians there".

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Witkoff will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit aimed at enhancing the humanitarian aid delivery process to the people of Gaza and improving the situation in the sector.

Witkoff's visit comes amidst escalating international pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza and indications of declining support for Israel in the American public and within the Republican Party.

Israel recently announced the implementation of a "humanitarian truce" in Gaza for 10 hours daily to facilitate aid delivery, and carried out several airdrops of aid. However, the Israeli leadership insists on achieving the goal of defeating Hamas and intends to keep security responsibility in Gaza in the hands of the Israeli forces.