Tel Aviv: US President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has accused Israel of prolonging the war in the Gaza Strip, stating that reaching a new ceasefire and hostage deal is the necessary course of action.
According to Anadolu Agency, Witkoff made these remarks during a meeting with families of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian factions in Gaza, as reported by Israel's Channel 12. The network did not disclose the specific time or place of the meeting. Witkoff expressed the US administration's desire to bring the hostages home and criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach to the conflict in Gaza, stating that the Israeli government's actions are extending the war without visible progress.
Witkoff emphasized the existence of a current opportunity for a ceasefire that he hopes Israel and mediators will utilize. He mentioned that efforts are being made to pressure mediators to facilitate the return of hostages. His statements coincided with the Palestinian group Hamas's announcement that they will release Israeli-American soldier Alexander Idan after discussions with the US administration, as part of broader efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.
The comments from Witkoff come ahead of President Trump's planned visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, with no scheduled stop in Israel. Reports from US and Israeli media have highlighted increasing tensions between Trump and Netanyahu, with indications that the Trump administration might independently advance its Middle East policy.
Israel estimates that 59 individuals remain captive in Gaza, with 21 believed to be alive. Meanwhile, over 9,900 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons, where rights organizations have reported instances of torture, starvation, and medical neglect. Israel has also restricted humanitarian aid through Gaza's crossings since March 2, contributing to dire conditions for the territory's 2.4 million residents.
Israeli broadcaster Kan reported that Netanyahu informed the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee about a significant possibility of Alexander Idan's release. Since October 2023, over 52,800 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have been killed in Gaza due to Israeli military actions. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza, and Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.