U.S. Envoy Pushes for Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Talks with Israel's Netanyahu

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On January 12, 2025, Steve Witkoff, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The purpose of the meeting was to advance negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and to discuss the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Following their discussions, Netanyahu sent a top-level delegation, including the leader of the Israeli Mossad intelligence agency, to Qatar to further pursue talks aimed at securing the release of hostages. Reports indicate that indirect negotiations facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. have made some progress, and there is a renewed urgency to establish a truce before Trump takes office on January 20.

Families of Israeli hostages expressed optimism regarding Netanyahu's decision to engage with high-ranking officials. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum described the situation as a "historic opportunity."

Witkoff had met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani the previous day. During these discussions, he assured mediators that the U.S. would continue to strive for a fair resolution to the ongoing conflict.

The escalation of violence in Gaza stems from a conflict initiated when Hamas militants attacked Israel in October 2023, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and more than 250 hostages taken. The conflict has resulted in catastrophic humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with Palestinian health officials reporting over 46,000 fatalities since the hostilities began.

On the same day as the meetings, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, further complicating efforts for a peaceful resolution.

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