US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday in an attempt to salvage ceasefire talks in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave, where hunger monitoring groups have said a worst-case scenario of famine is unfolding.
Shortly after Witkoff's arrival, US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "The quickest way to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is for Hamas to surrender and release the hostages."
He was referring to the Palestinian group, designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union, which killed nearly 1,200 people and kidnapped nearly 250 others during the October 7 attack on Israel.
Indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha ended without any results last week, with both sides blaming each other for the stalemate, while continuing to disagree on issues such as the extent to which Israel should withdraw militarily.
Witkoff's visit comes as Israel faces international pressure over the devastation in Gaza and restrictions on aid to the territory. Canada became the latest Western power to announce it would recognize a Palestinian state.
A day earlier, Israel sent a response to Hamas regarding the group's recent changes to a US proposal, which envisages a 60-day ceasefire and the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a source told Reuters.
Israeli officials have said in recent days that Israel could annex parts of Gaza if the blockade continues in talks.
Medical officials in Gaza said at least 23 people were reported killed by Israel across the Palestinian enclave, including 12 as crowds gathered to receive aid near the Israeli-controlled Netzarim corridor.
Since the start of the war, the Gaza Health Ministry has said it has recorded 156 deaths from hunger and malnutrition, most of them in recent weeks, including at least 90 children.
Meanwhile, as a result of the Israeli offensive, which began after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, more than 60,000 people have been killed in Gaza./ REL (A2 Televizion)
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