Gaza may be approaching a turning point, as Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East appointed by President Donald Trump, has announced that the war could end soon. During a meeting with families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, Witkoff assured them that efforts are underway to reach a resolution.
According to a recording obtained by Reuters, Witkoff stated that “an active plan for the reconstruction of Gaza is being developed, which will effectively bring the war to an end.” He also claimed that Hamas is “ready to lay down its arms”—a statement that contrasts with repeated declarations by the Palestinian organization, which has said disarmament will only occur if a fully sovereign Palestinian state is created with Jerusalem as its capital.
Witkoff’s visit to Israel comes amid mounting international criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where 2.2 million people face increasing hunger and widespread destruction. On Thursday, Witkoff met with Netanyahu to discuss next steps.
The remarks mark a potential shift in rhetoric and raise questions about whether diplomatic efforts under Trump’s influence might succeed where others have failed.
