Date
1/30/2025 3:12:08 AM
(MENAFN) US envoy Steve Whitkoff has arrived in the region, starting his visit with stops in Gaza, including the Netzarim and Philadelphia axes. Known for his sharp and strategic thinking, Whitkoff is keen on assessing the situation firsthand to make informed decisions. Over the past two weeks, he’s been tasked with various diplomatic actions, such as ensuring Hamas sends prisoner lists, pressing Israel to halt fire, and facilitating negotiations with other parties like Fatah.
As the ceasefire reaches its 16th day, preparations for the second phase of the deal are set to begin. Militarily, Israel has dealt significant damage to Hamas, making its recovery unlikely in the coming decades. Gaza’s northern areas, where many residents are returning, remain in ruins with tens of thousands of destroyed homes and buildings, many of which were booby-trapped by Hamas. Amid this devastation, Gaza's residents are trying to survive with the aid of humanitarian efforts, though food and fuel delivery remains a challenge.
Israel’s leverage in future negotiations includes controlling aid shipments, overseeing the reconstruction of Gaza, and ensuring prisoner releases. Politically, the pressure is mounting for real progress in the negotiations, which must be implemented quickly. The army needs clarity on the next steps in Gaza, whether it’s to end the operation or potentially resume offensive actions. Whitkoff’s visit today places him in a critical position, as he is expected to play a significant role in shaping the direction of the second phase of the agreement, influencing both political and military decisions.
MENAFN30012025000045015687ID1109147262
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.