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Witkoff says he’s optimistic about dialogue with Israel
(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, described his discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “positive” while reviewing progress on the Washington-brokered 20-point plan for Gaza, despite continued Israeli military operations in the enclave.
According to reports, Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner traveled to Israel following trilateral Russia-US-Ukraine talks in the UAE earlier this week. The meetings focused on “continued progress and implementation planning for Phase 2 of President Trump’s 20-Point Plan for Gaza,” Witkoff said in a brief statement on Sunday. He also noted that discussions covered “broader regional issues,” likely referencing tensions involving Iran and potential US military actions.
The US delegation reportedly urged Israel to advance Phase 2, which includes reopening the Rafah border crossing to Egypt. Israel has resisted, linking the move to Hamas disarmament and the return of the last deceased hostage, believed to be held by the group. Israel reportedly wants to allow civilians to exit Gaza while restricting entries from Egypt, whereas the US insists on full, bidirectional access, as originally agreed. Some Israeli officials criticized Witkoff, claiming he acted like a “Qatari lobbyist” and played into the hands of Türkiye, which has sought to represent Palestinian interests.
An unnamed Israeli official said, “We hope Ran Gvili is returned this week and we can go forward,” referring to the last deceased hostage.
The visit occurred as hostilities persisted in Gaza despite a ceasefire implemented under Phase 1 of Trump’s plan in early October. Gunfire and explosions were reported throughout Sunday, with local authorities confirming at least three Palestinians killed and four injured.
According to reports, Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner traveled to Israel following trilateral Russia-US-Ukraine talks in the UAE earlier this week. The meetings focused on “continued progress and implementation planning for Phase 2 of President Trump’s 20-Point Plan for Gaza,” Witkoff said in a brief statement on Sunday. He also noted that discussions covered “broader regional issues,” likely referencing tensions involving Iran and potential US military actions.
The US delegation reportedly urged Israel to advance Phase 2, which includes reopening the Rafah border crossing to Egypt. Israel has resisted, linking the move to Hamas disarmament and the return of the last deceased hostage, believed to be held by the group. Israel reportedly wants to allow civilians to exit Gaza while restricting entries from Egypt, whereas the US insists on full, bidirectional access, as originally agreed. Some Israeli officials criticized Witkoff, claiming he acted like a “Qatari lobbyist” and played into the hands of Türkiye, which has sought to represent Palestinian interests.
An unnamed Israeli official said, “We hope Ran Gvili is returned this week and we can go forward,” referring to the last deceased hostage.
The visit occurred as hostilities persisted in Gaza despite a ceasefire implemented under Phase 1 of Trump’s plan in early October. Gunfire and explosions were reported throughout Sunday, with local authorities confirming at least three Palestinians killed and four injured.
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