US Envoy Witkoff Visits Israel to Monitor Hamas Ceasefire Implementation

U.S. special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel on Wednesday after a direct flight from Saudi Arabia, continuing his diplomatic efforts to monitor the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and advance regional agreements.

Witkoff’s first stop was the Netzarim Corridor, the key route dividing northern and southern Gaza. Accompanied by Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, he assessed the ceasefire’s implementation, including the movement of Palestinian vehicles in the area.

The American envoy is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials in Jerusalem to discuss next steps in the ceasefire agreement. Additionally, reports indicate that Witkoff has requested to meet with the seven Israeli hostages recently freed from Hamas captivity.

Before arriving in Israel, Witkoff held high-level discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. According to U.S. officials, their talks focused on advancing a potential normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a major diplomatic goal for the Trump administration.

At the official opening of the Altneu Synagogue in New York, Witkoff described his mediation efforts as “the most worthy thing I could ever do in my life.” He expressed hope that the ceasefire’s second phase would lead to the return of all remaining hostages both the living and the deceased to their families.

As diplomatic efforts continue, Witkoff’s visit underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to both securing Israeli hostages and fostering greater Middle East stability.

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