President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel and has crossed into Gaza. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the White House sends a clear message: more aid is coming.
Witkoff, a real estate developer-turned-envoy, arrived in Israel on Thursday, July 31, and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the humanitarian crisis. He then made a rare crossing into southern Gaza, alongside U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee.
Following his arrival, Trump shared a post on Truth Social saying, “The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!”
Hunger crisis in Gaza
The White House said Huckabee and Witkoff will tour aid distribution sites in Rafah and meet directly with Palestinians. They are also working to finalize a new plan to increase food availability in the strip.
Witkoff will likely brief Trump immediately after the visit, and officials plan to announce an aid package on Friday.
The visit comes after at least 91 people were killed while attempting to get aid, 54 of whom were killed while waiting to get food. Another 600 were wounded.
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CBS reports the death toll will likely rise, as rescuers continue bringing victims to isolated, smaller hospitals in northern Gaza, where staff have yet to account for patients and casualties. These deaths come on top of dozens more since the beginning of July.
Israel denied responsibility, saying its troops only fired warning shots and blamed the gunfire within the crowd.
Still, video shows rescuers hauling wounded Palestinians away in carts as hospitals quickly become overwhelmed.
Discussing a ceasefire
Witkoff’s trip marks the first direct talks with Netanyahu since truce negotiations collapsed last week. It also comes as the U.S. ramps up pressure on both Israel and Hamas to reach a deal and end the war.
An official who spoke on the condition of anonymity told The Associated Press that Witkoff is expected to discuss a possible ceasefire between Israel and Hamas with Netanyahu.
